Polyakov: the Spy who Betrayed the Soviet Union and Disappeared

Dmitri Polyakov: the daring double agent who kept the Cold War from becoming hot. Get your FREE trial of MagellanTV here: try.magellantv.... It's an exclusive offer for our viewers: an extended, month-long trial, FREE. MagellanTV is a new kind of streaming service run by filmmakers with 3,000+ documentaries! Check out our personal recommendation, “The Spy Who Went into the Cold,” and MagellanTV’s exclusive playlists: www.magellantv...
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The Cold War: nukes, proxy wars, and espionage. Secret agent Dmitri Polyakov enters this warzone. In a globe-trotting adventure, we follow the life of Polyakov; with all its back-stabbing, gadgetry, special ops, and secrecy. Khrushchev, Mao, Nixon, Aldrich Ames, Sandy Grimes and more form a cast of characters that includes traitorous spies, CIA moles, KGB detectives, and dictators. This is the Cold War and espionage explained.
An enormous thank you to all of our wonderful Patreon supporters, especially
-ThemeFinland
-Nicholas Koval
-Ramrod Jonhson
-Sean!
SOURCES
Dillon, Eva. Spies in the Family: an American Spymaster, His Russian Crown Jewel, and the Friendship That Helped End the Cold War. Harper, 2017.
Garthoff, Raymond L. “Polyakov's Run.” Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists, vol. 56, no. 5, 2000, pp. 35-40., doi:10.2968/056005011.
“Interview with Aldrich Ames.” NSA Archive, George Washington University, 14 Mar. 1999, nsarchive2.gwu.edu/coldwar/interviews/episode-21/aldrich1.html.
Kilian, Michael. “Survivor of the Gulag.” Chicagotribune.com, Chicago Tribune, 1 Sept. 2018, www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-1994-03-07-9403070202-story.html.
Shannon, Elaine. “Death of The Perfect Spy.” Time, Time Inc., 24 June 2001, content.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,164863,00.html.
Wines, Michael. “Upheaval in the East: Espionage; Cold-War Riddle: A Most Unusual Spy.” The New York Times, The New York Times, 23 Jan. 1990, www.nytimes.com/1990/01/23/world/upheaval-in-the-east-espionage-cold-war-riddle-a-most-unusual-spy.html.
#ColdWar

[@virtual07]

One of the main motivations for Polyakov was the death of his infant son. Soviet leadership denied Polyakov permission to take his seriously ill son to a hospital in New York where he could get adequate medical attention. His son died as a result of the illness and soon after, Polyakov began his informant activities.

[@virtual07]

@Moortis Oh, yeah? Which Soviet hospitals did you attend? I can give my list. I lived in the Soviet Union. Did you?

[@denisdiderot6779]

@@virtual07 I'm not sure what that's supposed to prove? Like, the USSR was not a third world country it's not unreasonable to think Polyakov's son would have received world class health care.

[@virtual07]

@@denisdiderot6779 Polyakov's toddler son was in New York when he needed urgent medical help. Shipping him to the USSR was not an option. The only option was taking him to NY hospital. But Polyakov's superiors in Moscow did not allow it. As simple as that.

[@igorkarpov172]

The other motivation was Holodomor. I grew up in a Ukrainian and Russian family, and was born in Eastern Ukraine, not far from the place where Polyakov was born. My grandfather was a Ukrainian and a Holodomor survival. If you can imagine how the Soviets denied a medical aid to a three month old boy, they also had taken away all the food from the people living in that area including small children, and let them die of starvation in a cold winter, they also searched the houses of people, they searched the house of my great grandmother to find any food there with the severity like they were searching a house of suspected murderers. After that my grandfather never enrolled the Communist Party, and as he was an engineer, and had many inventions, they multiple times offered him to do so to get a promotion, he refused, the same way as many people of that area. Many people did the same in Ukraine. Even now a communist party is not popular in Ukraine, and there is no a Ukrainian Communist Party, people banned it for a reason they know why.

[@vasiliymedvedev1532]

The main reason why polyakov decide to betray was because he ww2 veteran frontline officeer which worshipped Stalin went into battle for him was against khruschevs antistalinist, destructive reckless policies, amateurish approach on building armed forced and the last straw for polyakov was hruschev ordering to secretly remove Stalin from mausoleum

[@takenbythewindNdrivenbythesea]

This man prevented the Cold War from becoming full scale nuclear war because he knew how dangerous it was... He deserved the highest respect....

[@tresav4247]

Man got ratted out for a bitch and money smh and all he did was try to prevent a bigger war lame ass dude

[@madwatcherz]

Amen

[@monetarnie3841]

Ames was a rat and many people were killed because of him.

[@Ocelot835]

He betrayed his own country and colleagues some of whom were killed or committed suicide due to exposure like in case of Maria Dobrova. Polyakov was no better than any other Cold War era spy with idealistic believes of "preventing nuclear Armageddon" that somehow must justify all their actions.

[@arnoldmagqaza7860]

No Person doing espionage deserve respect.

[@nedakco1198]

This felt like watching a movie. Great vid history dose

[@mikhelBrown]

This should be adapted into a movie.

[@professorshrimpling2979]

i think he sort of glosses over many of the nuances of the 1950s Cold War. He pretends that the USSR is an incredibly evil force and neglects the often equally evil actions of the US. i hate the ussr & russia as much as the next guy (im ukrainian) but this derivative & overly simplistic narrative terribly frames the rest of the video. the USSR wasn't aggressively pushing socialism/communism at that time, stalin was incredibly isolationist and wanted eastern europe bc germany had invaded them twice in 30 years & churchill was planning to invade too. much of this 'totalitarian communism', neglects the equally totalitarian governments of chang kai-shek & SK that were capitalist and supported by the west. Both sides wanted totalitarain regimes b/c they are easier to control than democracy. i dont think the US supported ANY democratic regime changes in the Cold War! The Cold War was morally gray, for both sides, and yeah, in the US you won't have to steal light bulbs from your place of work or be arrested for visiting a park (both real things in the SU) the US government is essentially equally evil. This is a cool story but I think you should've refrained from this moralistic lens that feeds into Cold War hysterionics.

[@annaritaranalli1791]

This man remains a heroe

[@hybridwarrior1219]

This channel should have way more subscribers.

[@leomeaker5948]

No shit

[@KnoxEmDown]

Eventually it will, if HD keeps up the good work.

[@francisco4194]

Very informative. Thank you

[@qwuuvy472]

The voice and the editing with all the pictures and animating just makes these videos so interesting

[@HistoryDose]

Well thank you!

[@whawkins8636]

The narrator's voice is perfection for this, as well as the word choice

[@Uploaded1995]

The world of spies really is ruthless. You are always relying on the notion that someone else in your network won't sell you out. And all you can do is take precautions in case they do.

[@dryricefields403]

I never knew the Cold War was this crazy

[@jed8592]

Yeah, I had no idea the KGB were still executing people into the 80's.

[@barryirlandi4217]

You must be Young!

[@oldfrend]

one of my favorite wikipedia deep dives is following all the links on cold war espionage. so fascinating to read about spies, their tools and methodology, cyphers, breaking codes, secret projects, the venona decrypts, you may not come up for air for a week!

[@JamesBond-uz2dm]

Aye, lass, the espionage game takes many twists and turns.

[@Chuyennn]

Reminds me of GTA V. Politics and espionage is really really interesting.

[@lorenzo.1977]

Plot twist: What if the best spy is one that we will never know?

[@FourOf92000]

by definition it is

[@KLSANT]

Mark Zuckerberg

[@90sstreetz23]

Plot twist : Fuck Off , None cares

[@mashedpotato4465]

polyakov were literaly compromised by his companions not his fault

[@conaltierney740]

That is probably less of a plot twist and more of a realisation. There was probably a spy out there who may have once stopped a war and his identity was never revealed because he/she was never caught

[@UnrealAaron94]

Awesome work. Especially the Motion Graphics and Sound Design, really nailing down the scale and drama of the story with what must be limited assets - well done!

[@HistoryDose]

Yes, just a two-man team over here! Thanks for the feedback, Aaron!

[@user-uy1rg8td1v]

@@HistoryDose Great channel. I would say the background music was too loud. I firmly believe background music is not necessary especially past the intro segment, I personally find it annoying and distracting. I also firmly believe people want to hear you speak/get information/learn and not hear generic background music that they have to mentally filter out and that doesn't really add anything.

[@jman2746]

What an incredible life this man lived. I feel that a great television series should be made about his story. It’s the only way his full story can be told.

[@finnyliverpool89]

Or maybe, you know, the book that this video failed to source, could be a way to tell the story!

[@IudiciumInfernalum]

The fact he put on his dress uniform before knowing he'd be arrested should tell you all you need to know about this man.

[@mattdiliberto4967]

He's more of an American hero than either of the two guys that ratted him out that's for sure

[@joeblow9657]

Those two should've received the death penalty.

[@Lord_Of_Aether]

@@joeblow9657 Death would only allow them a quick ticket to the jaws of satan

[@ThatPianoNoob]

@@joeblow9657 don't underestimate the cruel fate of being locked up in the US. I'd rather die.

[@benmmbk765]

​@@ThatPianoNoob WHAT?

[@ThatPianoNoob]

@@benmmbk765 I'd rather die than be locked up for 10+ years in an American prison.

[@LoudRevised]

Holy Hamburg, I knew how he was gonna die yet hearing how it happened was so shivering.

[@oldfrend]

look up how penkovsky died. never confirmed, but allegedly the soviets cremated him in an oven. alive.

[@michaelsamael2307]

@@oldfrend yeah also supposedly they put a video of him being cremated alive in circulation to instill fear to other agents.

[@DragonballBlack]

Love this channel. Great work. Can’t wait for the next one.

[@SithLordDarthMurray]

Your channel deserves a far higher sub count. This is insanely high quality information delivered perfectly with great video to accompany it.

[@HistoryDose]

Thanks!!

[@SithLordDarthMurray]

Found your channel because of your video on fallen dew and have been a big fan of every video. Hope you do another something Irish at some point if you've the time. Your format is amazing.

[@connornorcott4422]

this is so sick, love this channel

[@9kfb]

This is so well produced love your guys content

[@HistoryDose]

Thanks Mr. Boi9000!

[@iandownham2127]

Rip Polyakov. The man who stopped the cold war from becoming hot

[@annaritaranalli1791]

He didn't deserve that end

[@blessedjosephat1181]

Very good episode; felt emotional invested in Polyakov.

[@davidg-ig8vj]

Really well done. Impossible to stop watching. I wanted it not to end. A story of great courage. A shame that he was betrayed by Ames, who was just motivated by money.

[@Nikeboi77]

This channel is extremely underrated.

[@Eagle_the_18th]

Am I the only one who almost cried when Polyakov was excecuted? This almost feels like something out of a movie

[@alanrxs7069]

Spoiler

[@Eagle_the_18th]

@@alanrxs7069 oh...whoops

[@bananawitchcraft]

Honestly just don't look at the comments before finishing the video if you don't want spoilers lmao

[@BarryB.Benson]

@@bananawitchcraft ya I always make that mistake, just like I did now

[@mike04574]

Yes

[@kodyteachout9860]

This is 1000 times better than the history Channel keep up the fantastic work

[@Techsiltox]

Insanely underrated vid, even if you don’t get a million views you certainly produce high quality content that deserves it.

[@HistoryDose]

Thanks!

[@leemcr1894]

In the film/movie "Tinker, Tailor, Soldier Spy" the main Russian character was called Poliakov...

[@genmoe33]

So i have watched a number of these videos as well as countless other historical videos and have found that actual history is often more interesting, exciting and inspiring then most Hollywood movies. If only more historically accurate films were made

[@Td2times]

That opening was just too smooth

[@xijinpingsupremeleader5259]

the effort you put into these is crazy just subbed and liked

[@sankara2191]

Love and support from Sweden 🇸🇪

[@HistoryDose]

Visited Sweden almost two years ago; a wonderful country steeped in fascinating history!

[@bharath_mangalore]

This video is so underrated

[@literalidiot8944]

This has way way too little views considering the production value. Great work!

[@HistoryDose]

Thanks, Eli!!

[@nicholaspoloukhine1761]

One of the best channels on KZbin/streaming hands down. 10/10 my friend. Poetic, accurate, and enthralling.

[@johnnywindsor183]

Pure legend this man, what happened to his people in the Ukraine had this affect.

[@LoudRevised]

Oh boy it’s about to start.

[@nathanlayng9459]

I really enjoy your videos and always look forward for the next. Keep up the great work! :)

[@HistoryDose]

Much appreciated, Nathan!

[@nascentcomplacence3302]

Fascinating! Great content, as usual.

[@HistoryDose]

Thanks!!

[@rsookchand919]

Love the storytelling with your videos

[@86headhunter]

Wow this is One of the best documentaries I have ever watched on KZbin.. great work

[@evandalistgaming8914]

Rip, Dmitri.

[@andrewbaker6056]

An American hero, being a Soviet. It's nice.

[@Krishna-___-]

The channel is so good that I had to google the spelling of Delhi thinking I was wrong. Amazing content brother.

[@HistoryDose]

Ha, yep got that wrong! Thanks!

[@mindpoacher4732]

Just found your channel and I love it!!! Great editing great graphics!!! Thank you for your amazing efforts!!

[@recon1071]

How about a documentary on the Venona Project? I was told that is was stopped because the list of names revealed was going to the top of the US Government and Military. And then there was Colonel Edward Mandell House. Worked by the side of Woodrow Wilson but answered to Moscow.

[@GarfieldRex]

Love this narration to an awesome story. 👌

[@HistoryDose]

Thanks, David!

[@xyvadimxy]

Amazing animations! Keep it going guys!

[@evilgenius6378]

Great content wow I've seen this story but u filled in it all salute to u keep them coming.

[@seamuschilestroutman6923]

Amazing video as always!

[@HistoryDose]

Thanks Seamus!!

[@tox7761]

Amazing work, as always, keep up the good work.

[@10sweeneyr]

Love all the work you do it more like art then a history lesson

[@GodBless423]

Highlight Of My Day!

[@Jasoncalvo7]

The man deserves a movie. Everything I saw was that of a good good man. Betrayed by a greedy piece of crap. I was so angry when I saw the mole I legit got mad and sad.

[@happydays5218]

Did he not betray the Soviet Union?

[@crymore...]

​@@happydays5218 the nazi state? Yes he did thank god he did! The mole of Eua only care about money, the Devil. AND THE OTHER MAN WAS A ANGEL IT PRINCIPLES AND MORALS! THATS THE BIG DIFERENTE ( AND YOU A RUSKI BOT?)

[@josephrobinson6171]

​@@happydays5218 They betrayed him first tbh by what they did in the Holodomor. Then they didn't allow his son to get medical treatment when he was in NYC.

[@elijahtxt2334]

Your a great storyteller!

[@logank444]

Dude your stuff is A1. One day till you get a million subs

[@ryu6698]

Thats quality content!

[@Skymaster.47]

Excellent video. Loved the details.

[@ayy2193]

fitting visuals with the narrative. , enjoy watching history vids like these in bed at night

[@reighvenroduta6948]

I always love watching your guy’s videos

[@testboga5991]

An almost forgotten hero, but a hero nonetheless.

[@craigscott4205]

this is actually the best channel

[@madballoonz]

You make the best history content dude

[@HistoryDose]

Thanks!!

[@patrickhenry7416]

Amazing Channel…seriously great work

[@citrus1225]

Love the Cold War era stuff

[@nathanspreitzer6738]

Tragic that Ames wasn’t also dumped in an unmarked grave

[@Jobe-13]

This is so tragic

[@Daveunave]

Thanks!

[@HistoryDose]

Much appreciated!! ~Chris

[@carstenthies9597]

I wonder how many people working in Russia also have Ukrainian roots and think similar about Russia as Polyakov did at the time he started to betray the Soviet empire.

[@SideComment24]

A hero of the Free World, if those words mean anything nowadays. Rest easy Polyakov, you've done a great service to no country or flag but to humanity.

[@icecream6256]

The way you made the video makes it feels and sound magical, it is as if this story is a fiction lmao

[@darrensussex1153]

We desperately need a new champion Polyokov figure to prevent the next nuclear war

[@Duncan_McFly82]

This. Is. Awesome!

[@etykespeer2230]

Even after creating such a great documentary still people don't know about this.

[@berka5737]

Your channel is so good and interesting, that I can't stop watching it

[@russianguygang314]

I thought this was a professional video with 500k views. Awesome video!

[@HistoryDose]

I wish! Thanks! :)

[@Defender321]

Holy informative stuff

[@kennaannek]

Fantastic video!!

[@오즈만디아스]

Yo man. Here's waiting for your new artwork. Keep it up man!

[@HistoryDose]

Thanks so much!!

[@evantambolang3052]

Imagine being a spy for your own country and almost got away with it until your greedy friend ratted on you.

[@jimmygunn5414]

They should make a movie about this.

[@deedohopkins4948]

I rly hope u keep making vids they r so well done

[@HistoryDose]

New video in the next few days!

[@lucaspripripkin3567]

Keep up the good work mate

[@Bootmahoy88]

An elegant presentation that I thoroughly enjoyed. Thankyou from Denmark. I find it very interesting that he should willingly give himself up. It seems the KGB loyalty ran very deep in ways that were not so obvious. He clearly decided to share highly classified KGB documents with the west, being, what seemed to be, morally driven to do so. Yet, when he could've fled with his family long before it was too late, he chose to face the music, honoring those deeply rooted ideals of the KGB. Perhaps he felt he needed to be punished for his betrayal.

[@Vercingetorix.Fantasia]

Please TopHat. He was something else. All the spies of the 1900s were interesting individuals , up to Ames and Hannsen. The techniques rarely changed, But the motivations cast a wide net.

[@thebrokenquill6618]

There is no better narration on KZbin. None!

[@BlueBeeMCMLXI]

Thanks for the reality. So many young people have a skewed apprehension of the Soviet experiment. This needs to be exposed to truth and what anti-human truth it was ...

[@SuperLio333]

ty bros

[@paulh.6543]

US occasionally supporting authoritarian regimes? That's an understatement.

[@robertortiz-wilson1588]

Absolutely incredible work and presentation! Very underrated Cold War story, thank you for sharing it so well!

[@davedaddario]

I love your content. thank you

[@HistoryDose]

Thanks, Dave! Feel free to share it around!

[@davedaddario]

@@HistoryDose I always do, you are the best

[@remainprofane7732]

In Soviet Russia, job retires you.

[@kyluu9731]

Great work! I wonder how the scores in these videos are done?

[@KING-qq3nd]

this is well made nice job!

[@stacey_1111rh]

Excellent work! Subed. Time to binge on your content

[@MultiSciGeek]

This is a hero right here!

[@mirafseblu4066]

Can you do more about the Mongols, the first one was 🔥.

[@dzah04]

i feel like i should be paying for this content

[@HistoryDose]

Thank you, Delvin!

[@RaulSuarez-re9sg]

The US was "occasionally supporting authoritarian regimes"??? Count them; there were so many that this was far from occasional.

Nicely done man.

[@bobingalls4643]

"Robert Hanssen, the former FBI agent who was serving a life sentence for being a Soviet and Russian spy, was found dead in his prison cell Monday. Hanssen, 79, was found unresponsive at the Federal Correctional Complex in Florence, Colorado around 6:55 a.m. Monday, a BOP spokesperson said. "

[@tada2508]

9:24 Polyakov says, *He was born a Russian and will die a Russian* This is what a real man is. Never give up your passport. That’s identity.

[@Т1000-м1и]

Better then any movie