The Spy Who Putin Poisoned | The Exchange | Episode 2 Summary
Podcast: The Spy Who
Hosts: Indira Varma and Raza Jaffrey
Release Date: October 29, 2024
Description: Delving deep into the shadowy world of intelligence services, The Spy Who uncovers the perilous lives of spies operating under different rules, often at great personal risk.
Introduction
In the chilling opening scene set in October 2004, we meet Irina Berlatov, who enters a Moscow military hospital with a desperate hope to find her husband, Yuri, presumed dead after his arrest by the FSB for spying. The grim reality unfolds as Yuri is revealed dead under suspicious circumstances, leaving Irina to confront the brutal truth of his demise.
Background: Yuri Berlatov's Arrest and Aftermath
Yuri Berlatov's arrest in Spain exposed his role as a spy for the West, leading to severe consequences for both him and his family. The FSB’s uncompromising tactics are evident when Irina discovers the dismembered remains of her husband, hinting at a message sent to deter others from betrayal.
Irina Berlatov [03:37]: "Suicide. Her eyes dart toward the bruises on her husband's neck, then back toward the doctor."
Sergei Skripal’s Captivity and Interrogation
Sergei Skripal, a retired GRU officer still collaborating with MI6, finds himself under intense scrutiny by the FSB after his supposed retirement. During a meeting with his MI6 contact, Stephen, Skripal confides his doubts about Yuri's death being mere suicide, suspecting foul play and premeditation by the FSB.
Skripal [07:45]: "Yuri did not know I was a spy. He could not have given me up."
Following his arrest, Skripal endures relentless interrogations in the notorious Lefortovo Prison. Throughout his detainment, he grapples with the FSB’s fishing expedition nature of the interrogation, lacking concrete evidence against him.
Interrogator [10:20]: "Tell me about your time in Madrid. Who are your friends?"
The Exchange: Planning and Execution
Fast forward to August 2006, the narrative shifts to the orchestrated exchange of Sergei Skripal for Russian spies detained in the United States. The geopolitical tension escalates as Skripal is moved from the inhospitable Mordovian Penal Colony to Moscow, where he is eventually part of a prisoner exchange in Vienna, Austria.
Sergei Skripal [24:12]: "They have $100,000 in new $100 bills, passports in false names, and covert communications equipment."
The meticulous planning showcases the complexities of international spy swaps, highlighting the delicate balance of power and the intricate negotiations required to ensure mutual benefits for both nations involved.
Aftermath: Personal Toll and Political Ramifications
The exchange does not come without personal costs. Skripal’s wife, Lyudmila, faces ostracization and financial hardship in Moscow. Her family bears the stigma of betrayal, leading to isolation and emotional despair.
Lyudmila [18:50]: "Please. The hardships will soon pass and they will make way for blessings, please."
Meanwhile, in July 2010, the United States grapples with the fallout of Russian spymasters publicly celebrating the return of their agents. Prime Minister Vladimir Putin delivers a vehement response condemning the betrayal, emphasizing the consequences for those involved in espionage.
Putin [22:30]: "Whoever gave up our people will have to hide their whole lives."
This public denouncement underscores the strained relations and the personal vendettas intertwined with national security interests.
Conclusion: Reflections on Espionage and Loyalty
As the episode concludes, Sergei Skripal reflects on his freedom and the price paid by him and his family. The intricate web of loyalty, betrayal, and survival paints a stark picture of the life led by spies operating in the shadows.
Skripal [25:38]: "After six years in prison, I am a free man with an official pardon from Russia's president and a new life awaiting me."
The narrative leaves listeners contemplating the moral ambiguities and the human costs of espionage, emphasizing the relentless pursuit of national interests at the expense of personal lives.
Production Notes
The Spy Who is meticulously researched, drawing from authoritative sources such as Mark Urban’s The Skripal Files and Nigel West’s Spy Swap. The episode is crafted with dramatic recreations for engagement, while maintaining factual integrity through comprehensive research.
Credits:
- Written by: Simon Parkin
- Researched by: Louise Byrne
- Produced by: Vespucci with contributions from Yellow Ant for Wondery
- Executive Producers: Johnny Galvin, Daniel Turkin, Tristan Donovan, Estelle Doyle, Chris Bourne, Morgan Jones, Marshall Louis
Note: This summary excludes all advertisement segments, focusing solely on the core narrative and key discussions presented in the episode.