EPISODE · Oct 10, 2025 · 1H 3M
The KGB defector who saved MI5 and changed the Cold War (425)
from Cold War Conversations - "vivid & compelling" The NY Times · host Ian Sanders
Oleg Lyalin, was a KGB officer whose actions would provide British intelligence with pivotal information during the Cold War. I speak with Richard Kerbaj, the author of a new book, 'The Defector,' which chronicles Lyalin's story. Lyalin was trained with The KGB’s Department V, which was their sabotage and assassinations department. He was sent to the UK under the guise of a trade official, where he was tasked with gathering intelligence and plotting assassinations of British politicians, paralysing the British economy and ways to starve the population by attacking emergency food supplies. In early 1971, overwhelmed by personal and professional turmoil, Lyalin approached MI5, revealing his true identity and the KGB's sinister plans against the UK. Episode extras including related episodes & videos here https://coldwarconversations.com/episode425/ The fight to preserve Cold War history continues and via a simple monthly donation, you will give me the ammunition to continue to preserve Cold War history. 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 via social! F acebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/coldwarpod/ BlueSky https://bsky.app/profile/coldwarpod.bsky.social Threads https://www.threads.net/@coldwarconversations Twitter/X https://twitter.com/ColdWarPod Instagram https://www.instagram.com/coldwarconversations/ Youtube https://youtube.com/@ColdWarConversations Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
What this episode covers
Oleg Lyalin, was a KGB officer whose actions would provide British intelligence with pivotal information during the Cold War. I speak with Richard Kerbaj, the author of a new book, 'The Defector,' which chronicles Lyalin's story. Lyalin was trained with The KGB’s Department V, which was their sabotage and assassinations department. He was sent to the UK under the guise of a trade official, where he was tasked with gathering intelligence and plotting assassinations of British politicians, paralysing the British economy and ways to starve the population by attacking emergency food supplies. In early 1971, overwhelmed by personal and professional turmoil, Lyalin approached MI5, revealing his true identity and the KGB's sinister plans against the UK. Episode extras including related episodes & videos here https://coldwarconversations.com/episode425/ The fight to preserve Cold War history continues and via a simple monthly donation, you will give me the ammunition to continue to preserve Cold War history. 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 via social! F acebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/coldwarpod/ BlueSky https://bsky.app/profile/coldwarpod.bsky.social Threads https://www.threads.net/@coldwarconversations Twitter/X https://twitter.com/ColdWarPod Instagram https://www.instagram.com/coldwarconversations/ Youtube https://youtube.com/@ColdWarConversations Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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The KGB defector who saved MI5 and changed the Cold War (425)
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