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.com/historydose. 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.com/explore/hi...
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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
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-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

[@lorenzo.1977]

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

[@chrisf4269]

Don't be slandering Polyakov!

[@FourOf92000]

by definition it is

[@chrisf4269]

@@FourOf92000 Eh, Polyakov didn't get caught bc he was sloppy or anything. Dude retired and was in the clear until the CIA failed to recognize it had a mole in its ranks.

[@kelvinferreira225]

Mark Zuckerberg

[@90sstreetz23]

Plot twist : Fuck Off , None cares

[@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

[@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!

[@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

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@FireflyAaron]

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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@connornorcott4422]

this is so sick, love this channel

[@iandownham2127]

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

[@annaritaranalli1791]

He didn't deserve that end

[@9kfb]

This is so well produced love your guys content

[@HistoryDose]

Thanks Mr. Boi9000!

[@NightDocs]

This is some of the best editing and storytelling I’ve seen. Bravo

[@blessedjosephat1181]

Very good episode; felt emotional invested in Polyakov.

[@Nikeboi77]

This channel is extremely underrated.

[@nicholaspoloukhine1761]

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

[@kodyteachout9860]

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

[@Eagle-od1im]

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

[@alanrxs7069]

Spoiler

[@Eagle-od1im]

@@alanrxs7069 oh...whoops

[@screwyourhandle]

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

[@BarryB.Benson]

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

[@mike04574]

Yes

[@xijinpingsupremeleader5259]

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

[@86headhunter]

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

[@nebsam7137]

Great work as always

[@tox7761]

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

[@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

[@nathanlayng9459]

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

[@HistoryDose]

Much appreciated, Nathan!

[@Td2times]

That opening was just too smooth

[@mindpoacher4732]

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

[@evilgenius6378]

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

[@skymaster4743]

Excellent video. Loved the details.

[@patrickhenry7416]

Amazing Channel…seriously great work

[@rsookchand919]

Love the storytelling with your videos

[@xyvadimxy]

Amazing animations! Keep it going guys!

[@tmq0311....]

Thanks Very detail

[@nascentcomplacence3302]

Fascinating! Great content, as usual.

[@HistoryDose]

Thanks!!

[@10sweeneyr]

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

[@LoudRevised]

Oh boy it’s about to start.

[@kennaannek]

Fantastic video!!

[@KING-qq3nd]

this is well made nice job!

[@lucaspripripkin3567]

Keep up the good work mate

[@reighvenroduta6948]

I always love watching your guy’s videos

[@lucasconner2993]

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

[@HistoryDose]

Thanks!

[@seamuschilestroutman6923]

Amazing video as always!

[@HistoryDose]

Thanks Seamus!!

[@ryu6698]

Thats quality content!

[@berka5737]

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

[@AetherSummers]

Awesome video man! Really hooked me.

[@HistoryDose]

Thanks, Antony!!

[@stacey_1111rh]

Excellent work! Subed. Time to binge on your content

[@bharath_mangalore]

This video is so underrated

[@sankara2191]

Love and support from Sweden 🇸🇪

[@HistoryDose]

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

[@johnnywindsor183]

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

[@xoxo.preppy.xoxo.]

Love your channel!

[@RaisedbyaWildPackofCigarettes]

Real incredible stuff

[@xoxo.preppy.xoxo.]

Great video!

[@robertortiz-wilson1588]

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

[@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.

[@GodBless423]

Highlight Of My Day!

[@Gaving311]

Great video 👍

[@Defender321]

Holy informative stuff

[@GarfieldRex]

Love this narration to an awesome story. 👌

[@HistoryDose]

Thanks, David!

[@jamesmartin8385]

Nice video. Well done.

[@literalidiot8944]

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

[@HistoryDose]

Thanks, Eli!!

[@Duncan_McFly82]

This. Is. Awesome!

[@PoTato-ud5im]

This was so well done! Great video! Just subscribed :)

[@deedohopkins4948]

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

[@HistoryDose]

New video in the next few days!

[@makkkgezz9744]

Good watch

[@elijahtxt2334]

Your a great storyteller!

[@craigscott4205]

this is actually the best channel

[@madballoonz]

You make the best history content dude

[@HistoryDose]

Thanks!!

[@ayy2193]

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

[@evandalistgaming8914]

Rip, Dmitri.

[@pstha4537]

what a perfect video and narration.

[@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.

[@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!

[@adolfor5427]

Mannn your channel never fails to produce quality and INTERESTING content

[@HistoryDose]

Thank you!!

[@christopherhughes3381]

AWESOME.

[@andrewbaker6056]

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

[@Jobe-13]

This is so tragic

[@thebrokenquill6618]

There is no better narration on KZbin. None!

[@user-kz4it1jx8c]

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

[@HistoryDose]

Thanks so much!!

[@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.

[@kyluu9731]

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

[@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

[@learicist]

Brutal.

[@jimmygunn5414]

They should make a movie about this.

[@nathanspreitzer6738]

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

[@-Jansen155]

Incredible video. Probably one of the best videos on youtube about spies. People talk about the Russian commander who called off a nuclear strike against the USA at the last moment, but not many talk about Polyakov. Polyakov might have been one of the top 10 most important figures in the world at preventing nuclear war. Imagine the Cold War era without risky intel on Russia...

[@MultiSciGeek]

This is a hero right here!

[@salad_man4519]

This is gold I'm speechless

[@testboga5991]

An almost forgotten hero, but a hero nonetheless.

[@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.

[@DagwoodDogwoggle]

I thought Polyakov was just a character for "Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy." The things you learn ...

[@thehoffer]

How do you get these photos and the videos. This is amazing footage.

[@logank444]

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

[@etykespeer2230]

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

[@darrensussex1153]

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