Part 5/7:
One of Penkovsky's significant contributions came during the Cuban Missile Crisis. Thanks to his information, Kennedy was able to understand the specifics of the missile threats being posed and informed his decision to implement a naval blockade instead of an invasion, which could have resulted in war.
It was Penkovsky's insight into Khrushchev's character—specifically that he was likely bluffing—that allowed the United States to proceed with caution rather than aggression. This strategic advantage contributed significantly to avoiding a potentially catastrophic military confrontation.