Spite can be quite the motivator. It doesn’t mean we always make good or wise decisions because of it, but it can create opportunities and motivation within us that are unlike anything else. If you’re Russian and feel some type of way about the invasion of Ukraine, the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) is looking to help you put those uneasy feelings to use. This isn’t a reboot of Spies Like Us, but rather, a chance to be spies for the U.S. The position for a Russian spy/Ukraine operative looks to be officially open.
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Be a Russian Spy: Ukraine Operatives for the CIA Wanted
If you are “disgusted” by the invasion of Ukraine and are of Russian descent, the CIA would like to have a word. Signing up as a Russian spy, “Ukraine operative” recently became a position the agency has been trying to fill. They’re hoping that this effort will help put an end to Putin’s reign.
“We’re looking around the world for Russians who are as disgusted with (Putin’s actions) as we are. Because we’re open for business,” said David Marlowe, the CIA’s Deputy Director of Operations.
Marlowe’s comments were first reported by The Wall Street Journal, which also had echoing sentiments from other top CIA officers. These same officers have noted that the invasion of Ukraine is creating the perfect conditions to recruit military officials and oligarchs who are fed up.
Spying is nothing new when it comes to Russia’s war. European nations ousted more than 400 Russian officials believing them to be potential spies in 2022 alone. Additionally, toward the beginning of the invasion, Ukraine said sympathetic Russian spies helped foil a plot against Zelenskyy.
Also at the beginning of the war, reports stated that Russia’s spies misread Ukraine and misled the Kremlin as war loomed. FSB Russia tried to use Russian spies in Ukraine to dismantle their government during the invasion in a move that proved to be ineffective.
It’s clear that on both sides of the conflict, espionage is playing a part. Not that this reality was ever really in doubt. Nevertheless, the CIA’s recruitment of spies only shows that such tactics don’t appear to be going anywhere.
How To Be a Spy
If you’re looking to be a spy, here’s your shot. The CIA is looking, but what does it mean to become an agent?
For starters, you’re going to need good communication skills, which include knowing when to shut up. You can’t go around telling people exactly what you do when you’re in the CIA and likely aren’t discussing much within the organization unless it aligns with your operation.
Having a bachelor’s degree is always a plus, as is knowing multiple languages. For this particular role, we’re going to go ahead and say Russian is likely to get you farther than, say, Spanish or French.
Finally, it should be obvious that anyone applying is going to need to have a clean record. Not only will you be trusted with information pertinent to U.S. interests, but you’ll need to make a good impression as you would with any other job.
Overall, if a life with secrecy, service, and plenty of communication excites you, the CIA may be right for you.
Becoming a Russian Spy/Ukraine Operative? Don’t Expect It To Be Like the Movies
Signing up to spy on other countries isn’t what you might think. Between James Bond and a wide variety of similar media, it’s easy to think that the life of a CIA agent is swanky hotels, exotic destinations, an endless bar tab, and high-flying action.
But you couldn’t be more wrong.
A lot of what is done, especially in the digital age, happens either behind a desk or through another simple form of conversation. You’re going to be talking to people, gaining information, and building relationships, and you’re going to do it without a martini or explosive plane sequences.
Russian spy/Ukraine operatives will be asked to help the CIA gain intelligence that could hopefully end this needless war. It’s a great way to make a difference in our world and bring peace to a region suffering from the previously unthinkable.
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