Part 2/7:
From a brilliant career within the Soviet army, where he became an emblem of the regime's strength, Penkovsky’s life took a dramatic turn in 1960 when he made the consequential decision to betray his country by offering his services to the United States. Providing high-level intelligence from within the Soviet regime, he became a spy embedded in the heart of Soviet power.
Questions of Trust
As his information began to reach American intelligence, uncertainty loomed. Many in the CIA, including officials like David Major, questioned whether Penkovsky could be believed or whether he was an elaborate deception by the KGB. However, as he demonstrated the depth and accuracy of his insights, his status quickly climbed from suspicious informant to invaluable asset.