The Quiet Dissenter: How One Man Undermined the Soviet Union
For decades, the inner workings of Soviet espionage remained shrouded in secrecy. But thanks to the bravery of individuals like Vasili Mitrokhin, the truth about the KGB’s activities against America and its allies has slowly emerged. While much attention has been given to decoded messages and negotiated book deals, the story of Mitrokhin, a KGB archivist who risked everything to expose the Soviet regime, deserves greater recognition.
Gordon Corera’s biography sheds light on this remarkable man, who, from 1968 to 1984, meticulously documented the KGB’s secrets. Mitrokhin’s background offered few clues to his future actions. He joined the Soviet intelligence apparatus in 1948, a time when loyalty to the state was paramount. He witnessed firsthand the brutality of Stalinist control, an experience that would later fuel his disillusionment.
His early career included a stint in Israel, followed by a disastrous assignment at the 1956 Olympics in Australia. These setbacks, combined with his perceived argumentative nature, led to his reassignment to the KGB archives, a seemingly insignificant role that would become his platform for dissent.
While Mitrokhin claimed his hatred for the Soviet regime stemmed from the horrors he uncovered in the archives, it’s likely his career frustrations played a part. Instead of glamorous foreign postings, he was relegated to the basement, indexing files and enduring the scorn of his colleagues. The crushing of the Prague Spring in 1968 proved to be a turning point. Mitrokhin became convinced that the Soviet system was incapable of reform, his resolve hardened.
As the KGB prepared to move its operations to a new headquarters, Mitrokhin saw his opportunity. Tasked with managing the relocation of over 300,000 files, he began secretly copying key information onto scraps of paper, hiding them in his clothes and transporting them to his home and dacha. There, he typed the information and buried it in metal containers, keeping his activities hidden from everyone, even his family.
Mitrokhin’s mission consumed his life. He had no clear plan for the material, initially hesitant to contact foreign governments. It wasn’t until after the collapse of the Soviet Union that he finally sought out the American embassy, only to be dismissed. Undeterred, he approached the British embassy in Vilnius in 1992, managing to convince MI6 of the value of his information. His requests were simple: asylum for his family and the publication of his findings to expose the KGB.
After a perilous escape to Britain, Mitrokhin worked with MI6, the CIA, and historian Christopher Andrew to analyze his vast collection of notes. The resulting publications revealed the depth and breadth of Soviet espionage, causing significant damage to the KGB’s operations.
The KGB remained unaware of Mitrokhin’s betrayal until the publication of “The Sword and the Shield” in 1999. His quiet nature and insignificant role made him an unlikely suspect. Moreover, because he had copied rather than stolen documents, the KGB had no way of knowing the extent of the damage he had inflicted.
While Mitrokhin’s revelations led to the exposure of numerous spies, few were ever prosecuted. Governments were often reluctant to admit the extent of Soviet infiltration. Despite his success, Mitrokhin grew disillusioned with his British handlers, frustrated by the focus on espionage rather than the internal crimes of the KGB.
Vasili Mitrokhin’s story serves as a reminder of the power of individual courage in the face of oppression. While his motives may have been complex, his actions struck a blow against a totalitarian regime and contributed to the preservation of freedom and security for the West. His dedication to revealing the truth, even at great personal risk, makes him a true hero of the Cold War.
