Confessions of a Russian Spy

[@TheAtlantic]

The Atlantic Festival 2022 is here! Join the event on KZbin: kzbin.info

[@izzhipp4971]

So he got caught with a honeypot ..... The girl hooked him and that video was made. THAT is how they got him and threatened him/blackmailed him. Now you know How they get people. Oldest trick in the book.

[@1943rfagan]

@Walkin' Tall Oh sure and when it comes to money women are- WEAK and will even sell their bodies for sex with their tiny brain 😏.

[@ghostnoodle9721]

@@1943rfagan Well ye, you cant catch a fly with salt can ya?

[@lexiforbes5983]

Oldest trick in the book cuz Russians crazy government threatens the girl with something horrific if she doesn't agree to frame him, and some men would rather b considered treasonous than a rapist. Probably thought that he could give them some little meaningless intelligence until they wouldn't let him anymore. Of course they want into on NATO and US, we probably have to change some defense strategies now in case they invade the baltics. Wonder if they so desperately recruited China to show force with more men on the ground for this. Well I am happy, and hope that all relations continue to prosler, that most of the world has come together to say no to tyrants. And that the countries that haven't joined us yet, do. Also wonder how this guy would live in Estonia for soo long and not learn the language lol crazy

[@izzhipp4971]

Human nature. Stop fighting over who's fault it is....it just is. You have to make good decisions. Taking a girl home from a bar...or going home with a guy from a bar that you JUST met is NOT a smart thing to do in any circumstance.

[@Macatho]

@Walkin' Tall So are women my friend.

[@kizahi3075]

this guy looks like a cross between Elon Musk and Vladimir Putin

[@itsonlyacommentsnowflake3346]

2:26 i agree, was thinking the same thing lol

[@goyan4759]

Hybrid elonimir mutin

[@LostFelidae]

Aw... Thanks, That’s it! I was just thinking why he’s familiar in a strange way...

[@madlad2819]

He sounds like he does, too!

[@samsonbreitbart]

for so many years there were two persons inside of me

[@Nuh-zd5py]

If this guy “kills him self” just know that he got assassinated

[@wompwomp9904]

You spelt accidental radiation poisoning wrong.

[@rachelslur8729]

You spelled accidentaly rammed by a truck and then accidentally puched in the head wrong.

[@rachelslur8729]

@Ray Vorontsoff them too

[@adem_gun]

Thanks genius.

[@rachelslur8729]

@@wompwomp9904 You spelled suiсidе my by а airdroped guided missile wrong.

[@Johnkostercreative]

He looked anxious AF during all those TV appearances

[@onlyeveryone2253]

That was before Russia too

[@tacowilco7515]

It is really awkward to give an interview after he raped and choked that hooker to death.

[@eirin099]

telling the world about how you were recruited by russia as a spy is sketchy so it makes snse

[@davidhollenshead4892]

@@tacowilco7515 Hows the weather in Moscow, Ivan ?????

[@tacowilco7515]

@@davidhollenshead4892 I don't know David, how is Hellen's head doing? Is she still giving a head?

[@Gilgaemesh]

Should told Estonia and became a double agent.

[@ghostnoodle9721]

@@Wigglez69 It was treason either way

[@JS-xd3iy]

@@ghostnoodle9721 It's not treason if you work against the country (Russia) you are supposed to be spying for. There were Nazi agents that ended up giving fake info about the British back to the Nazis.

[@printedwit]

i agree with your opinion. hypothetically, there could have been someone in estonian intelligence smart enough, early on enough to help deniss into a career position to hope to tempt russia to tag deniss as a target, knowing about his existing ties to russia and his "poster boy" estonian integration qualities. then, estonian intelligence could keep an eye on him for a number of years, and eventually arrest him and have him give up potentially valuable information on his interactions with russian POCs in exchange for a lighter prison sentence. frankly, i think russia made a mistake in choosing this guy - his media presence makes him a bit obvious. but maybe deniss never got his hands on any valuable information from russia. maybe this was just a short game and stalemate between the countries and some poor sap was caught between them.

[@arabhero10]

WigglezUK it’s not treason. If you tell your home state that you’ve been compromised by another, they will tell you what to do. Granted, you run the risk that your own country would kill or disown you, but still, it’s not technically treason.

[@herahagstoz6934]

Yikes. Obviously they did this to Trump and he lives far away in America, this guy lives right next door. Imagine how many more trapped people are spying for the Russian government all over.

[@dfredericks86]

Poor bastard - he should have approached Estonian Intelligence the minute he got back home, demanded to live in a safehouse etc. Agreeing to act as an informant in any capacity - ESPECIALLY to Russia is unsustainable to even the most casual observer. No one matters to Russia.

[@dfredericks86]

@Ray Vorontsoff wow, tough guy. Good to see the ACKSHUALLY crowd reporting in. This is what happens when your dad pissing in a woman results in your conception... No shit there are others that are just as brutal namely US, Israeli and Iranian to name a few. But what is beyond doubt is Russia's infamy for the brutality, aggressiveness and audaciousness of their clandestine ops. They are now famous for their vindictiveness and propensity to dish out particularly painful deaths to those that embarrass or oppose them. When you casually dish out polonium to your most hated enemies on foreign soil, yeah, you tend to get a name for yourself. Now do all you keyboard warrior spy wannabe's wanna chill the fuck out? Mentioning one is not to discount others, Russian intelligence was the subject of the vid. The 'what-aboutisms' could go forever. Chances are your 'insight' isn't as revelatory as you think.

[@shatteredstar2149]

@@dfredericks86 butthurt much?

[@dfredericks86]

@@shatteredstar2149 the internet olympics of being 'so totally disaffected'/not triggered means nothing to me as that dynamic is, in itself, a dead meme at this point. I'll say what I want to say.

[@shatteredstar2149]

@@dfredericks86 no meme is truly dead my son 🐸👌

[@dfredericks86]

@@shatteredstar2149 hahahaha. Then you fell for me trap card...i bring you.....Ugandan Knuckles my brudda

[@theduke6174]

Lesson learned from this, never do one-night stands.

[@konfunable]

In Russia.

[@MakerInMotion]

@@konfunable I'm sure honey traps are a common strategy among all intelligence agencies. Germany used to do it by sending hunks to bang the secretaries of Soviet diplomats during the cold war. They called them "Romeos". The only people who don't need to worry about being a target is those with no access to valuable information.

[@alekseysoldatenkov5675]

Especially with chicks that seem out of your league, I bet she was at least a 9.

[@MakerInMotion]

@@alekseysoldatenkov5675 For sure. In Russia a 9 or 10 is a common thing. There's a lot less fatties.

[@aenorist2431]

Never go to a criminal state like russia.

[@seyedhosseini7447]

When he starts talking about his son that has to grow up without him you then see what a real man is made of from the inside. This story is so important so thank you for making this.

[@engr.nnoromokechukwuchukwu7369]

absolutely....he will just too intimidated to face the actual reality of living without his son?

[@michaelshannon6134]

Real men don't betray their country for no good reason. He betrayed his wife and son as well when he betrays Estonia. Crocodile tears.

[@advocacynaccountablity]

Agreed with Seyed.

[@PythiaHiereia]

Don't go to Russia, y'all.

[@sovietheart3883]

He is a looser,a liar and against his own country

[@admagnificat]

This was an absolutely compelling, and very important, video. To everybody at The Atlantic who was involved in producing it, thank you for sharing it with the world.

[@ladyblazette]

15 years doesn’t sound too bad compared to Novichok... Estonia handled his punishment humanely. The same cannot be said for Russia. He is a young man, he can do his time and have a life when he gets out, as opposed to suffering the most torturous, painful death. Excellent short doc., this channel produces some of the best I’ve seen on YT in terms of production and topic.

[@sophroniel]

I am hoping they keep his wife and child safe too :(

[@williambrown6889]

50

[@stevesilva2780]

He's lucky he wasn't shot. In the U.S. the penalty for treason can be death. In time of war, it _is_ death.

[@Silver_Prussian]

You are a spy you job is to be inhumane dont expect any good treatment

[@madpoetsociety2917]

@@williambrown6889 15. Turn on the subtitles. He said 15.

[@Whosetheworst]

Another victim of the classic Russian honey trap, poor guy.

[@GreedPainLove]

KGB is still KGB even though they changed their name

[@lucasgrey9794]

@@GreedPainLove The Honey trap is NOT unique to the KGB. You can go back thousands of years and see examples of Honey traps.

[@concreteknowledge3168]

Welp guess who’s getting a good old cup of polonium tea

[@eyeLikeCarrots]

@Fuert Neigt Every country works to obtain intelligence assets, this is nothing specific about Russia.

[@alarpahn6992]

I am Estonian and i can say that it’s 10000% real

[@alwayswonderingwhy4317]

Fuert Neigt Like no country in the world has spies...

[@orestmakar8562]

Stefan J Well if it wasn’t for NATO Russia would tattack Lithunania, Latvia and Estonia. The only reason Russia flexed it’s muscles in Ukraine and Gheorgia is because those countries are not NATO members. They should join as soom as possible because fear and brute force are the only languagee Putin understands. Russia is hostile towards all its neighbours. How about Putin stays the fuck away from neighbouring independat countries.

[@RayD_Official]

Dude: „I didn’t want to go to prison for 10 to 15 years in Russia it would ruin my life“ *goes to prison 15 years and life is still ruined*

[@mishaazaranka5961]

I think what he meant is that he knew what Russia really is from the view from his family that lived there. And being Russian myself I could tell you that he would not have a great time in there for 10-15 years since refusing to work for the intelligence and he could be blamed for being a foreign military personnel entering the country illegally he would be sent to the worst prison out there. At least Estonian prison isn’t as bad as the Russian one.

[@raitonrait]

@@mishaazaranka5961 hes a joke, hes traitor.

[@mishaazaranka5961]

@@raitonrait I agree with you he’s a traitor and he deserves the punishment he got I mean 10 years isn’t that bad all I’m saying is if he was arrested in Russia according to his story the consequences would’ve been a lot worse for him. Just saying 🤷

[@rashad123us]

15 years is not bad for treason.

[@lexiforbes5983]

Yeah, I think they heard him and his Dad out and realized they were scared for their life if they didnt. But he gave some at least, sensitive info and that is not acceptable. Should have told Estonia right away, baltics have been used to these Russian tactics for a long time now.

[@PepinsSpot]

Not bad at all! In the USA they would at least rot in jail at most the death penalty.

[@ghostwilliams4419]

@@lexiforbes5983 For a reason may i add! Nato is surrounding Russia with rockets

[@kxmode]

Unfortunately he won't make it to 15 years. An accident will happen to him in prison... just wait.

[@DLTD]

Rashad let’s see what trump gets... 😂

[@FirstnameLastname-hq5rd]

"disappointment will be a very gentle word for that" Oh man, who's cutting onions in here, the end was heartbreaking. I hope when his son watches this interview in a few years, he has sympathy for his father's position.

[@willevensen7130]

His fathers a traitor and deserves no sympathy

[@VajrahahaShunyata]

Will Everson Yep He could have gone straight to his command and reported the whole incident. But his family in russia would suffer. Unless he did a double double agent thingy until he could get his family out. But this is alot of ifs.. He cose in the end to serve russia and not the culture that embraced him. Promoting him. Giving him a good life. Embracing him into their culture. He is a traitor.

[@Travellingisagift]

I would rather say that I hope his son will forgive his father. For sure the child and mother is suffering a lot of discrimination because of this man's treason. They will not have a normal life.

[@thelorelei1884]

@Vajrahaha Shunyata It's not so easy to refuse Russia when they want you to do something. Even if he did go to Estonian authorities, Russia would have found him and probably killed him, and quite possibly his family. Putin and the Russian government are brutal people. You do what they want or you pay the consequences.

[@zafar13]

The million dollar question is who rat him out ? 🧐

[@fuentinho416]

Rat? I'm sure 10 years of leaked intel raised some suspicion of a mole within the Estonian Army, Was only a matter of connecting the dots.

[@FVBmovies]

@@fuentinho416 Exactly. Could've gotten laced information (bait), the one which get you caught.

[@Trollportphosphat]

@@FVBmovies but even so they somehow need to get to know that russian knows that information as well. i don´t think he just stole original documents instead of copying them

[@Trollportphosphat]

@@fuentinho416 but somehow they need to get to know that russia knows all that intel.

[@judgedbytime]

when they knew he wanted out, they used his capture as collateral

[@ijustchangedmyname7794]

2:57 His eyes tell that everything inside isn’t right

[@mollyrazormillions]

Also 03:14 bottom images. Interesting what would a psychiatrist say about this mental state? Caused by what?

[@MrTerribleLie]

@@mollyrazormillions Look at the eyes of former soldiers with PTSD. He has the same gaze.

[@PepinsSpot]

Why didn't he tell his superiors in Estonia what had happened? Unless he was a willing participant. That would explain why he didn't tell anyone when he arrived to Estonia.

[@dragenmaster5385]

he had relatives in russia, russians would kill them if they find out he told about everything to estonia

[@viktor_vaughn]

Tell that to Litvinenko

[@Jardhundur]

@@dragenmaster5385 This is not a movie, that would not happen.

[@dragenmaster5385]

@@Jardhundur spy movies are inspired by real life events lol?

[@yazzyyazyaz]

@@Jardhundur read up on it, it's exactly what happens

[@itsmodelotimefoo445]

Obviously nobody forced him to cooperate. While in Estonia he could of easily reported what happened.

[@ayooo9770]

Feel bad for him. Everyone saying he should have just told Estonia doesn't realize Russia might have found out and kill anyone close to him. It's a tough situation to be in

[@KewwAlbion]

We´ve got instructions since day one what to do in situation like this, he just freaked out and kept digging bigger hole to himself by sending information to them, his rank is Major, I dont understand how he fell for such cheap scam, this reason i stopped visiting Russia cause once you in army means automatically enemy for Russia.

[@tylerbozinovski4624]

I'd rather risk losing my family or risk being imprisoned than be a spy for a foreign intelligence agency.

[@ayooo9770]

@@tylerbozinovski4624 wow, I honestly put not killing family and self over the feeling of loyalty to a government, but to each his own.

[@tylerbozinovski4624]

@@ayooo9770 I guess you've got to be ruthless to an extent to fight against ruthlessness, am I right?

[@rapator9270]

@@tylerbozinovski4624 Its not about war, its about humanity! Western people are rules of world because they have brains. Russia just digging his hole slowly acting like this. Its all about freedom not politics what feeds nation!

[@Duppy3737]

Estonia gave him a good life, trust and respect, he should have let Estonian authorities know what Russia had requested of him , got his parents out of Russia I'm sure Estonia would have helped . His loyalty should have been with the country that gave him a good life and career. From day one he should have informed Estonian authorities he could have trusted them definitely not Russia.

[@Silver_Prussian]

Uhhh muh estonia yeah there are things they do that aint so good

[@mellhurstg4148]

Russia is a sadistic killer.

[@jeffhallam2004]

He looks terrified because he knows he will be murdered by Russia. He was shaking during the interview...

[@SojuNinja]

Or it was cold AF.

[@RolandKontson]

He broke emotionally down over the question of disappointment of his family.

[@Thor.Jorgensen]

@@SojuNinja It's not cold in Estonia right now. It's summer. The guy is ashamed of himself, and rightfully so.

[@SojuNinja]

@@Thor.Jorgensen Well, thanks for letting me know. I honestly thought he was cold because by the way his clothes swayed, I figured there was a fan in there or something. No sarcasm.

[@Thor.Jorgensen]

@@SojuNinja If they have a fan in there or something, it's because it's summer and it's hot. It's been nearly 30°C recently.

[@3-dhistory495]

He is of Greek origin from the Russian empire who over time became a "Russian." So there were once before 1991-92, a lot of Greeks in the USSR. Metsavas is a Greek surname. Don't forget the Pontic Greeks of the Caucasus, Dagestan and Ukraine.

[@bigdikdude4207]

This is why Russian officers are not allowed to travel anywhere outside of Russia for personal reasons. And if my memory serves me right even after quiting youre still not allowed to go overseas for another 5-10 years . Poor bloke. Hope everything will turn out well for him in the end

[@bigdikdude4207]

Dont think regular soldier or policeman would poses an information worthy enough of recruitment (no offence to a regular soldier or policeman. Just an observation)

[@rapator9270]

I wonder that ordinary persons are allowed to travel from Russia :D

[@Leo-pd2dq]

Rapator Rapator obviously they are allowed to travel you massive imbecile, there’s no way you don’t know this. What is the point in making such a dumb comment that only makes you look like an ignorant?

[@LancesArmorStriking]

They're smart about it, I see. But sometimes even soldiers are human, and want to visit their family in another country. What then? Does Russia pay for the family to come to Russia and visit?

[@Der_Dolmetscher]

So he first betrayed his wife and his son. He was a celebrated officer (“I was a hero.”) Drunken on power, driven by ego. Well, those who betray their families, will betray their country too. Nothing is important to them, but themselves. A shallow, stupid, selfish piece of work.

[@frenstcht]

Commanding Officer: "I hope you had a good vacation. Why did you need to see me?" D. Metsavas: "Mostly good, except the Russians are trying to blackmail me into being a spy." CO: "Outstanding! Want to be a double agent?"

[@frenstcht]

@Joe Al Laughed out loud. Thanks! I needed that ^_^

[@mikeblair2594]

Absolutely! He obviously didn't think and he got his father in to it too. I've very little sympathy for traitors. Fell for a honeypot, he should have known better.

[@frenstcht]

@@mikeblair2594 And he fell for it bassackwards, which is even worse. He had no emotional commitment to be exploited; it was just a ham-fisted extortion scheme. Now I'm wondering if he _did_ rape her, because it's so hard to imagine an innocent person not just going to the C.O. and pleading for help.

[@mohamedm2518]

The clock shows that the video is not in chronological order. At least edit out the clock.

[@peterrees6346]

Another great story from the Atlantic. Please keep these stories coming.

[@jojoslasthamon5120]

Peter Rees Oh, they will. As long as their imagination allows.

[@kirasussane1556]

So he was threatened with going to jail if he didn't cooperated? It was a bad idea for hin to go to Russia he was a know Estonian soldier obviously they would find him.

[@Точноподмечено]

У этого "национального героя" всегда был выбор. Его просчитали и предложили то, от чего он не смог отказаться. Теперь его используют в образе жертвы спецслужб России ваши СМИ. Выжимают всё, что ещё можно с него поиметь, (как это дешёвое видео). Так же существует вероятность конца этой истории, (ликвидация и обвинение России). Сценарий проверенный, зачем выдумывать что-то ещё? У Дениса и всегда был выбор, но он выбирает, то что ему подсказывает его разум и дух. Дух и разум, которые в него заложили в "независимой Эстонии" Или кто-то считает по другому?

[@Kapchar]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/fIHRp6ume9-gY6M

[@terrancenorris9992]

Why did he not go to his superior officer and relate EVERYTHING that occurred on his visit in Russia? The Russian "set-up) would have been a moot point as any smear information would have been known by his organisation. He chose all the wrong paths.

[@justinpharand8454]

I was hoping they would get into the details of espionage but NOPE

[@bbjdutch]

He was a good officer and a good citizen, really? I don't understand how he is able to think that way. He is a traitor, also to his family. His son has to grow up without him, with the shame on his shoulders.

[@rostamr4096]

Khamenei the head mullah in Iran is a Kompromat and been an agent for Russia since the mid 60's. He attended Patrice Lumumba university in Russia. Look him up....Fuck Putin and Russia. Long live free and democratic Iran.

[@TrapstarJolene]

Intelligent Agencies just catch you down bad.

[@prieten49]

Classic honey trap. He should have immediately reported it to his superiors in Estonia upon his return. I'm surprised he wasn't warned during his training that the Russians might try something like this. I feel sorry for this man. The Russian secret services know all the psychological tricks to get their hooks into a normal person. With him, they used the honeytrap and his concern for his father. The recent story about two doctors in Maryland who approached the Russians about divulging medical records of American military personnel is much more frightening. Here are two successful Americans enjoying all the benefits of American life who were willing to sell their country out of "loyalty to Russia." She was an anesthesiologist with an Armenian name and her husband was a doctor in the Army. He was a transgender poster child for the US Army and dressed like a woman. How he thought he was doing the transgender community any service by aiding the most LGTBQ-phobic regime in the world just boggles my mind.

[@mobilechief]

A hard example of why you can not trust anyone

[@jessicacole8404]

*I hope this proves to be a deterrent from reason. As soon as In Estonia, they would have protected someone as important as him. He did something terrible, but I feel sorry for him. Never trust enemies, because an enemy will leave you do your own defenses if you have no purpose for them anymore*

[@aztecacalendario]

Estonia should use him as a source of information as well. A lot of Russians live in Florida, Texas, and other cities in America. America must concentrate on the people they allow to come in and live, visit, and obtain information in America. Not allowing a "trojan horse" into our soil. If money is offered in exchange for information, of course people are going to cooperate. There was a US Naval officer who gave information to China. That information given may have caused a lot of damage to the US. Not only that, so much information is on KZbin that can be used by other countries against the US. US must monitor closely what is shared on the internet.

[@silvioferreira9504]

His eyes open like that (in the years before and after arrest) seem forced. It is very strange and should have made people uneasy...

[@andariel125]

What I don'r understand is why upon his return to Estonia he told nobody about this and then even started accepting money for passing classified information. I don't buy his explanation tbh, as an officer he had to know how to act correctly in such situations.

[@tbz1551]

You answered your own question in the second part of your first sentence. $$$

[@ghostid544]

His family was Russian and if they're willing to set up and accuse an innocent person of rape they would quite happily do the same or worse to his family that they have full access too unlike him who was only there shortly. I still understand your skepticism and agree with you for most parts but just offering one reason that might have been a factor in his reasoning.

[@michelbraun4858]

Well it is an complex situation and we do not know his social situation back then. You do not know as well where the rest of his family lives. Lets not forget as well he never talked about how he views Russia. There are so many factors that play a role for his choices. My Familie did live in East Germany and what some of them experienced you would as well not believe it but the situations always complicate it so it is very easy to make mistakes that that let you sink deeper.

[@Greasyspleen]

Would have looked very suspicious to the Russians if he refused the money.

[@crismeman3386]

The answer to your question was in the introduction of the Documentary title. " The Making of a Double Spy".. he is an Estonian Spy first before becoming Russian Agent.

[@dennislindqvist8443]

First, stupid to fall into the honey trap. Especially as a military, one should know Russia's methods. The other strange mistake was giving in to their blackmail. But there were probably ideological reasons for his decision as well.

[@malitiemmanuel1321]

This ish happens a lot. I for one am multi national. South Africa-Uganda. Am worried about the same situation because my Dad always tells me to go to R.S.A. But such things happen because u are an asset that can penetrate the target country. This is what has been happening with Rwandese living in Uganda. They were made assets. Repercussions are devastating. Solution. Avoid visiting such stronger countries. I for one I don`t think I will ever visit South Africa, my attempt made me give in to much information that it just felt so wrong. The very information you give is Used against you. Setting you up etc. Sorry, the World isn`t a all that of a good place. All powerful countries do this, I don`t know why Russia is the most implicated most times. This tack-tick is actually for C.I.A

[@aa898246]

ZULUL

[@malitiemmanuel1321]

@@aa898246 Xhosa

[@purplefabian]

@@aa898246 go to South Africa dude.. chill and take off your tin foil hat, its not like your a james bond and they are waiting for you

[@aa898246]

@@purplefabian what are you talking about

[@purplefabian]

@@aa898246 what are YOU talking about?! This guy thinks if he steps foot in south Africa he's going to get recruited to work as a spy

[@Blitznstitch2]

Being a spy sucks

[@Infographiste]

Man, his finishing part is heartbreaking man. Next question please.

[@johnbell4328]

He should have reported it as soon as he returned to Estonia.

[@marcopolo6944]

The pain in his voice and on his face at around 13:23 . "Disappointment is a gentle word". The closest to tears that this poor man came. Just a sad, ruthless story all around

[@tylerbozinovski427]

I'd just pretend to agree with them until I leave Russia, and then I'd approach the Estonian police.

[@MayimHastings]

I don’t believe him. He said the police said they believed him and didn’t have proof, and then he contradicted himself and said they said they’d use their proof against him. He could have gone to the Estonian authorities and they would have believed him over Russia. Not to mention getting his Dad involved... letting him get a piece of the action speaks volumes about the history of resentment of Estonia in that family. Fascinating doc!

[@paspaulinbozart8767]

He did not look genuine at all even in that Estonian uniform

[@YourLocalLeadFarmer]

Kinda reminds me of the girl I met in College who was from Russia. I was studying Homeland Security and Emergency services and we decided to study together a little bit. Things went pretty well for about a year or so, then I was being questioned and harassed about who she was and I didn't tell them a damn thing. Later found out she worked for the SVR and felt very betrayed and used. I'm now using my time to discover answers of my own.

[@slickrick2420]

What country you from?

[@officially-ROB]

Didn't happen for $200 please

[@tutsecret499]

When you work for some "special areas" of the government, you are being watched, who you are going out with, they watch your home, everything inside. They watch every single steps, can't blame them. I know one guy that does a very risky job to turn off bombs. The FBI always having eyes on him, watches his home, the women he goes out with. But I don't know why he is watched because his job is going to places where the bomb is about to explode and he is there to turn it off. I just think that everybody needs to watched specially at work, where a lot bad things happens, bully workers, corrupted, jerks, etc. Watching you catch the predators. Doing that employers prevent liabilities because of jerk employee with misconduct. Caracter , common sense, good judgment is everything in this life.

[@MikeBrown-ov2ol]

well, the only difference between russia and the united states is that we rarely get to hear the stories of the stuff that happens with US involvement. By the way: I'm neither russian nor do I sympathize with Russia. I am german and I think that only honesty and *NOT* having national secrets is the way to walk into the future. I bow to the hero Edward Snowden and I bow to every other person in the world speaking out against injustice anywhere. We are ONE WORLD. We all should share our knowledge instead of mistrusting our neighbors, because we are all human beings.

[@williamwaite3989]

Feel bad for him, having been coersed into events far out of his control, and loosing valuable time with his wife and son. Somewhere in Estonia there is a young boy growing up without a father because of events he will never truly understand. it's so sad.

[@mikeblair2594]

He could have gone to his superiors and told them and been a hero. But he didn't think, so he's where he belongs. He's a traitor!

[@kashmirha]

100% he was warned in the military for this type of situation. A russian living in Estonia, who visit russia...

[@chrisbrent7487]

Really he should have just informed his superiors that the SVR or FSB had attempted to recruit him as soon as he returned to Estonia.

[@shahrour9]

Was his father spying for them before they recruited him?

[@manuellubian5709]

Now, there's a thought.

[@WelfareChrist]

Seems like it would’ve been a good argument for him to try and convince his superiors he’d make a good double agent and feed Russia false info. It’s hard to feel sympathetic for this guy, I feel like he consistently took the easy way out.

[@Jason-un9ps]

9:13 Dayumnnn! Of ALL the questions he could have been asked… Imagine how hard his heart was thumping 🤣😂

[@SuperKwame1]

It was a set up, and he should have caught up with them. as a trained officer , something should have light up in his mind.

[@KyleInOklahoma]

*_Many soldiers return from Russia & tell their superiors of this sort of thing every year. He knew this. Many of them reported this to him & he would kick it up the chain of command & forget about it. It happens-No foul. Why he did not do the same as they are told to go along with it while in Russia & report it when home. There are contingency plans for this type of action in all military around the world_*

[@s.l.3673]

I read the full article in The Atlantic, it's excellent. Seeing this guy on the film brings a human perspective, and a touch of sadness for him. It's telling too, for this to take place in Estonia, literally at the heels of Russia. Would Estonia go the way of Crimea, if it had not kept up its vigilance? And yet, the world (even Europe) largely stood by when Putin invaded (and absorbed) Crimea. With the ever-growing menance from Russia, US - thanks but no thanks to Trump - is ceding ever more grounds, abandoning allies like the Kurds, so that Russia is free to march in and take over those gains that US soldiers and allies had fought so hard for. For that, I cannot forgive Trump (even if I agree with some of his policies, including the trade war with China). As corrupted as Trump is, GOP continues to defend him in the House impeachment hearings. I was so disgusted by how befuddled all these GOP Trump pee'ons are. The silver lining is, we now know who has and who does not have any backbone or clear mind, and we know who to vote and not to vote for.

[@kaizenmckenzie4782]

Who's here cause of Philip Estonia version of Elon Musk

[@Yazevo]

bro, put in his last name LOL

[@StrangeLoops4]

Who this Philip guy?

[@meanhe8702]

I wonder why he didn’t just stop at the beginning and go to the Astonian government and tell them that he was being setup and recruited by the Russian government? In almost all military forces in the world, aren’t you taught the bare minimum of what to do should you be put in a compromised situation and you’re asked to betray your country?

[@phdtobe]

In the US, getting caught spying like that would probably result in a life sentence. He got off light.

[@longtallsally4493]

Trump has committed treason and is still walking around

[@byronshepherd8415]

Procedures are procedures for a reason. If he had immediately reported his contact upon returning home, he could've avoided all this.

[@aeyriyang1361]

Cyber Warfare worked because we let it work. The same weaknesses in our Populations exploitable by Domestic Politicians can also by foreign parties.

[@skeletonkey6733]

He should have gone to his boss straight away on return and entrapped those who followed after.

[@Munklers]

I feel sorry for the man. He was threatened and blackmailed by a powerful state. There but for the Grace of God go I.

[@mellhurstg4148]

Don’t work for the enemy and trust the good guys to extract your family, or fail and know everyone did their best.

[@peterbeyer5755]

In his army training, he was a major, he would have been told the Russian Intelligence Service and other criminals are actively attempting to blackmail soldiers into handing weapons, cash and information over. The training would have covered similar scenario’s and how to handle them. It beggars belief that he kept all this to himself. The Estonian Army knows no one is perfect and everyone has faults and they could have used his recruitment by Russians to Estonias and NATO’s advantage, what an absolute waste of a counter intelligence opportunity and this persons life.

[@LordVictorHalgaard]

That last question about his family was rather disrespectful, distasteful, pointless, and needlessly cruel.

[@huntersutton1485]

Tryna get a good reaction for the interview. interviewers want to see emotion it's fucked but more views for them

[@foxxy46213]

Every shot of him on TV he just looked sus an the next question would be then why are you spying for Russians then

[@filip.v]

Russia sees neighbors as enemies? xD Might have gotten that a bit backwards.

[@MiguelGonzalez-mc9zd]

Dude said he had 2 persons inside of him. Wow.

[@1Animeculture]

Never "visit" russia ^^'

[@allowmi]

He should have confessed to the Estonians at his first opportunity. At that juncture he would have been in the clear. They would have worked something out. I've been watching 1420 on KZbin and the Russians are a likeable people and we share many of the same values. That said, the most troubling thing for me is the assessed value of deceit in their culture seems a little high, if not celebrated in some corners. Years ago I had an experience with the Roma (AKA Gypsies) while in Rome. Just a little misunderstanding about the contents of my wallet. As it was just kids, it amounted to nothing - but I still remember them for that more than anything else. And if all you know about a group of people is their most negative values, it sticks.

[@IsandJako]

seeing how easily he got hooked into a situation what he cannot escape, makes you scared of every action you do in adulthood that seem normal but get you into a terrible situation like this

[@zlonewolf]

Its not even that bad. He got out of one jail sentence and into another. Plus he was a Russian Citizen before becoming Estonian. He chose between being blackmailed and being a spy. Plus his dad is in on it. This guy feared for his safety but now his life is even in more danger now that he revealed Russian intel to Estonia that Russia is spying on them and targetting Estonia as the next colonial empire target.

[@litostakkz24K]

😂 what... you need to live in a bubble then fam, no one's gonna set you up up you're just some John doe. You will be ok

[@seekgodinprayeraskjesuschr4687]

I think it's ironic that they asked him about a loyalty test one thing they should do and they trained soldiers no matter what country is turn them on entrapment, honey pots, and all forms of blackmail. Inclusive resort not to go look for a Russian girl when you can find one in your own country he was the perfect prize for them falling right into their trap or pot of honey in this Chase

[@tadasblindavicius8889]

This is what happens where you grow up in russian influence zone. I have nothing against russian-speakers here in Lithuania but I have to say that they are people with different views. The vast majority of those glorifies the Russian invasive regime and stuff and are against the NATO and all Western society simultaneously. These people live in their minds apart from the rest of society and kinda nostalgia to former USSR. Basically, they live here with their hostile views next to us.

[@relarras]

Agreed.

[@MarkMash17]

Right after the first encounter he should've had a hidden recorder on him 24/7

[@Wade-vo6zx]

My only question is why did he cooperate when they released him back to Estonian land? Was it for money, or fear of death?

[@sunnylilme]

Wow. I really feel terrible for this guy. Putin is a manipulative, intelligent strategist. Trump unarmed man coming to a dual with Putin.. I CRINGE at the lopsided balance of abilities.

[@JK-vc7ie]

sunnylilme You mean Obama, right?

[@kgain673111]

Good lord I hope this guy is still alive after giving this interview.

[@yellowbeans01]

If that shit happened in another country and they tried to blackmail me, I'd play along and get home as fast as possible. He fucked up by going for it when they came to him in Estonia. It also shows how much his Russian handlers thought of the whole thing when they RECRUITED HIS FATHER to be the courier, lmao. Maybe outsource the delivery to a more random person

[@andyharpist2938]

There were two people in every citizen in the old USSR..one believing the party line and the other thinking quite the opposite. It is entirely possible to hold two contradictory sets of beliefs.

[@NoahNobody]

Jesus Christ. This is rough. He should have come clean straight away and asked for extraction of his family in Russia. The US would have probably gave him safe haven.

[@kizahi3075]

he and his family are from Estonia not Russia

[@PMMagro]

For him but his family was doomed then. he needed to play their spy and slowly saving the family before disapearing or something. Not easy being alone with clever enemies working together.

[@johndewit6877]

id rather live in a prison cell than the US lmao

[@NoahNobody]

@@johndewit6877 The US is such a land of variation, you would find a place you can call home. You can live in prison cell too if you really want, lol.

[@johndewit6877]

@@NoahNobody Im from holland btw im happy here no worries xd

[@rezaadel4203]

Would it be hard to imagine that GRU used the same sort of tactics to entrap US citizens? I don't think so. Who remembers the Ritz Carlton Moscow?!!!

[@mikeblair2594]

They've done exactly that to American citizens. A honeypot trap is one of Russias most common traps. Just don't think with your dick.

[@1974GrafZahl2207]

I love this simple way of thinking, if I were him I would have informed my superiors about the blackmail for the rape after returning from Russia. Yes, of course they could have "believed" that. Even so, the military would have dumped him where he would no longer learn secrets and his career would have been dead. Come on, think ahead and not just until his return from Russia. There was a rape charge. If the russian police had been charged and it had been reported to the press or social media, he would have discharged to eliminate the threat. Where was his evidence that he didn't do it. His life was a mess. Now or later. As long as you don't get caught, you still have hope that its ending one day. Now he has his personal sentence in addition to the 15-year sentence. Maybe he'll be pardoned sooner, paroled or dismissed for good behavior. Either way, his kid has a father even if he's in prison. He is alive and the child has the chance to get to know him. Anyone who has served their sentence should be given a second chance.

[@ooffed5464]

Where’s my boy Artur Rehi

[@MR-od1bv]

Sad story, specially when he talks about his kid.

[@astyanax905]

He doesn't blame Russia? Sheesh... I know I would

[@jazzman5115]

If he'd blame them his chance of a good life after he leaves prison would be effectively zero.

[@romanreigns1p4pking55]

ADAM COLE BAYBAY!

[@arijao92]

We who live next to them know that this is just what they do, have always done and will do in the future, he should blame himself for being a traitor to his country

[@crosisofborg5524]

There is no quitting. Once you’re in, you’re in to stay.

[@Anon-]

Yeah, especially being so high up in rank, he should have explained the situation to Estonian Intelligence Services when he got back EXACTLY what happened. Perfect opportunity to feed information to your enemy that you WANT them to know. Just my opinion, from my armchair.

[@KeyserSozex]

They were watching him obviously. He would have to been as secretive about his communication w Estonian intelligence, as he was in his spy role.

[@mikeblair2594]

@@KeyserSozex So? Be careful. He has superiors who have offices and I believe that they have doors in Estonia, so it could have been a private discussion.

[@cmdrriotz5283]

Not sure why this doesn't have more views.

[@ChrisHanline]

"For so many years, two persons were inside of me." Look dude, you can do whatever you want behind closed doors. We don't need to hear about it.

[@llamaliammm]

That v fucked up of u to say that.

[@nemanjastankovic7200]

Bipolar or hard torture ,,, Or both.

[@2531Prasad]

I think governments should give special security to such people to come out and say they are threatened by some spies.

[@crazycowboy213]

The punishment for treason is death. This has always been the punishment. By getting 15 years he is getting a great deal. He let down his nation and people. For that there are no excuses. He should be lucky he gets basic human treatment. Treason is not a acceptable crime.

[@cherrycherryreikikirschblu2185]

If this happened to him, then maybe there is a great number of other Russian Estonians who experienced the same and who work in Estonian institutions.

[@swoodc]

12:18 whos 0887 ???

[@johntorres8303]

If I was him I would have turned the ties , agreed to comply , record everything and went to my superior after solid proof.!show them that they framed me and tried to turn me into a spy . Only After confirmation to keep me safe from being extradited .

[@ERIKX]

6:49 this guy has a problem