The Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) has released a new video as part of its ongoing recruitment efforts targeting Russian officials who are dissatisfied with their political leadership. This virtual campaign has proven successful in establishing contact with potential sources inside Russia, according to U.S. intelligence officials. The latest video, unveiled by CIA Deputy Director David Cohen at the International Spy Museum in Washington, D.C., aims to attract individuals who envision a better future for Russia and believe that the CIA can help them achieve it.
The CIA’s previous two campaigns, launched in 2022 and 2023, garnered significant attention, with the videos being viewed over 2.1 million times across various online platforms such as Telegram, Facebook, Instagram, and X. While the CIA spokesperson highlighted the importance of raising awareness about the agency’s mission and history, the primary objective is to establish direct connections with potential sources. However, specific details regarding the response size, credibility, and resources required for video production were not disclosed.
The latest video features a fictional Russian official as the narrator, who references Tolstoy and expresses his desire to secure a better future in Russia for his son. The video concludes with instructions on how to securely contact the CIA online. It is important to note that all the videos employ actors and portray fictional scenarios, as confirmed by the CIA spokesperson.
In response to the CIA’s recruitment efforts, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov dismissed the campaign, stating that intelligence agencies worldwide often utilize media and social networks for employee recruitment. Peskov also downplayed the impact of sharing the videos on major American platforms like X (formerly known as Twitter), which is banned in Russia. He emphasized that VKontakte, a popular Russian social media network, has a much larger audience.
The CIA’s recruitment campaign coincides with the ongoing war in Ukraine, which is entering its third year with little progress at the front lines. Additionally, U.S. military aid to Kyiv has faced delays due to political battles in Congress. CIA Director William Burns, who has visited Kyiv multiple times since the 2022 Russian invasion, has previously described the conflict as a “once-in-a-generation” opportunity for recruitment in Russia. He emphasized the agency’s readiness to engage with potential sources during a public appearance overseas last year, stating that the CIA is “very much open for business.”
The release of the third video underscores the CIA’s commitment to expanding its network of sources within Russia. By targeting disaffected Russian officials and other domestic elites, the agency aims to tap into individuals who believe in a brighter future for their country and are willing to collaborate with the CIA to achieve it. As the conflict in Ukraine persists and political dynamics continue to evolve, the CIA’s recruitment efforts remain an integral part of its strategy to gather intelligence and navigate the complex landscape of Russian politics.