"We are looking for Russians": the CIA was interested in Russian citizens, dissatisfied with Putin's policy - WSJ

The war started by Vladimir Putin in Ukraine opened new opportunities for the US special services. The CIA has already declared the intention to recruit Russian officials and oligarchs. The Deputy Director of US Central Intelligence Directorate David Marlow stated that the department was interested in cooperation with Russian citizens, dissatisfied with the Kremlin policy. He told about it during a speech at George Mason university, reports The Wall Street Journal.

Marlowa noted that the invasion of the army of the Russian Federation into the territory of Ukraine caused dissatisfaction with many Russians. In this regard, the CIA is ready to establish relations with influential citizens of Russia who oppose the war in Ukraine. The publication stated that Vladimir Putin's plan for the capture of Ukraine was a failure.

David Marlow believes that on the eve of the invasion, the President of the Russian Federation was at the height of his influence, but having solved the war, he dispelled the myth of the power of the Russian Federation. "We are looking for Russians around the world, as it is as disgusting as us," the CIA Deputy Director of Operations comments. The publication also indicates that after February 24, hundreds of Russian diplomats suspected of espionage were sent from the EU countries.

In addition, the Kremlin decided to cut the diplomatic presence of the United States in the Russian Federation. "According to the latest estimates, more than 400 Russian intelligence staff, who acted under diplomatic cover, were sent out," said the head of the UK intelligence service, Richard Moore. We will remind that the director of the CIA William Burns held a meeting with Vladimir Zelensky in Kiev. Burns's visit to the capital took place on the Day of Mass Fire of Ukraine.