Chasing Rogue Nukes after the Fall of the Soviet Union

Susan Miller continues the story of her CIA career, recalling a harrowing experience of the 1991 US embassy fire in Moscow, and the unexpected humanity displayed by a KGB officer who helped save lives during the crisis.Listen on Apple PodcastsListen on SpotifyListen on YouTubeListen on Amazon MusicListen on Podcast AddictBecome a Patron!

Susan Miller continues the story of her CIA career. The episode begins with a harrowing account of an embassy fire in Moscow, where the officer recounts how the flames engulfed the building, leading to a swift evacuation. What stands out in her story is not just the chaos of the moment but the unexpected humanity displayed by a KGB officer who helped save lives during the crisis.

As the conversation unfolds, listeners are taken on a journey through her career, highlighting significant events like President Reagan’s visit to Moscow. The officer shares her insights on the political climate of the time, emphasising the importance of diplomacy and human connection, even amidst tension and distrust.

Transitioning to her time in Poland, she discusses the challenges of being a female officer in a predominantly male environment, along with her encounters with KGB operatives. One particularly gripping story involves a walk-in who claimed to have microfiche containing the names of every spy the KGB was running overseas. Her skepticism quickly turns to intrigue as the legitimacy of the information is confirmed, leading to a significant intelligence breakthrough.

The episode also touches on a chilling encounter as CIA Chief in Vilnius, where Susan is confronted by another KGB walk-in with a box of weapons-grade uranium.

Throughout the episode, she reflects on her career, sharing both the highs and lows of her experiences. Her candid remarks about the challenges she faced, including dealing with a hostile superior, offer a glimpse into the complexities of working in intelligence. She served nine times overseas and eventually rose to become the CIA’s Chief of Counterintelligence.

Listen to Part One of Susan’s story here https://coldwarconversations.com/episode441/

Help me  preserve Cold War history via a simple monthly donation You’ll become part of our community, get ad-free episodes, and get a sought-after CWC coaster as a thank you and you’ll bask in the warm glow of knowing you are helping to preserve Cold War history. Just go to https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/ If a monthly contribution is not your cup of tea, we also welcome one-off donations via the same link.

Find the ideal gift for the Cold War enthusiast in your life! Just go to https://coldwarconversations.com/store/

CONTINUE  THE COLD WAR CONVERSATION