35. The Story of a Soviet Defector with Alexandra Costa

SPYCRAFT 101

English - February 14, 2022 07:00 - 1 hour - 46.8 MB - ★★★★★ - 269 ratings
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Previous Episode: 34. Life as a Nicaraguan Contra with Luis Moreno

Next Episode: 36. Assassination by Poisoning: Russia & The Soviet Union

Today, Alexandra Costa shares the story of her defection from the Soviet Union. Also known as Yelena Mitrokhina, Alexandra was wife to the first secretary of the Russian Embassy in the US. She discusses growing up in the USSR, the real dangers of defecting, and her treatment by both the FBI and the CIA. Ultimately, Alexandra chose a better future for herself and her children despite immense risk. From teaching Marxism to young communists to peacefully renouncing the Soviet Union and becoming and entrepreneur, her life story is full of twists and turns.

Check out Alexandra's book, Stepping Down from the Star, here.

https://www.amazon.com/Stepping-Down-Stars-Soviet-Defectors/dp/0399131957

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