CIA seeks Russian defectors via social media, Putin's spokesperson responds with mockery

The CIA posted a Russian-language advertisement on social media a few days ago. The ad's goal was to convince employees of the Moscow intelligence agency to change their allegiances and become double agents for Washington.

The CIA called out to Russian patriots feeling betrayed by corruption among the elites, those dissatisfied with the current ruling authority, and those distressed over inadequate army supplies.

"People around you may not want to hear the truth. But we do. You are not powerless," says a voice in the video. The main character is a fictive 35-year-old employee of the Russian intelligence agency who, despite his love for his country, realizes who the real enemy is. "The top management sold the country for palaces and yachts while our soldiers consume spoiled potatoes and use obsolete weapons," he asserts. By the video's conclusion, he suggests collaborating with the CIA.

This is not the first time the Americans have tried to recruit Russian agents for the CIA through social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter). The most recent similar campaign was in May of the previous year.

The American intelligence agency didn't have to wait long for the Kremlin's reaction. Vladimir Putin's spokesperson, Dmitry Peskov, poked fun at the CIA's efforts.

"Someone should inform the CIA that Vkontakte is a more suitable recruitment platform than X, which is banned here," Peskov joked.

Source: Reuters, X, "Iltalehti"