Oleg Penkovsky

Oleg Penkovsky, a Soviet intelligence officer, chose to spy for the West, believing communism harmed his people. His espionage, including sharing Soviet missile details, helped avert nuclear war during the Cuban Missile Crisis. Despite his significant contributions, he was arrested, tried, and executed for treason in 1963. Penkovsky is remembered as a pivotal figure in Cold War history.

What motivated Oleg Penkovsky to spy for the West?

• He wanted to gain personal wealth.

• He believed communism was harming the Soviet people.

• He was seeking revenge against his superiors.

• He was blackmailed by Western agents.

How did Penkovsky initially reach out to the West?

• By using a secret radio transmission.

• By meeting with a CIA agent in a park.

• By contacting the British Embassy directly.

• By sending a letter to American students in Moscow.

What was one of the methods Penkovsky used to deliver documents to his handlers?

• Via a secret tunnel.

• Through encrypted emails.

• Hidden in boxes of chocolate.

• In diplomatic pouches.

What critical event did Penkovsky's intelligence help to resolve?

• The Berlin Blockade.

• The Vietnam War.

• The Cuban Missile Crisis.

• The Korean War.

What was the ultimate fate of Oleg Penkovsky?

• He retired peacefully in the UK.

• He was captured and executed by the Soviet Union.

• He was never discovered and continued spying.

• He defected to the United States.