KGB and Putin: Origins and Evolution of Espionage History

The subject of how KGB and Vladimir Putin arrived at their current positions is an important starting point to understand the history of espionage. In this article, I will focus on this topic, which can be seen as part of the spy series. However, first understanding the history and evolution of the KGB will help us better assess other espionage organizations.

KGB began after the establishment of the Soviet Union (USSR) following the October Revolution of 1917. The first leader of the USSR, Lenin, decided to establish an organization called Cheka to maintain the country's internal order after the revolution. Cheka was an organization that dealt with terrorism and sabotage, going beyond police powers. This organization eventually evolved into the KGB over time.

Alongside the inception of the KGB, many interesting events and technological advancements occurred in espionage history. For instance, KGB agents were the first to open doors using advanced lock-picking techniques. Simultaneously, they pioneered information storage by placing microfilms inside screw nuts.


Among KGB's espionage activities were interesting and sophisticated methods such as creating special boxes to copy door keys along with embedding cameras into the backs of wristwatches, alongside names like Ivan Sero.

The October Revolution of 1917 laid the foundations for KGB. The revolutionary era under Lenin's leadership in the early years of the USSR led to the establishment of Cheka. Cheka operated beyond the powers of the police, authorized in counter-terrorism and sabotage.

The internal structure and activities of KGB became harsher under the leadership of Iron Felix during Stalin's era. Iron Felix is notorious for systematic torture and extrajudicial executions. The sword and shield on the emblem of the KGB symbolized by Iron Felix represent defending and protecting the state with the shield and eliminating rivals with the sword.

Stalin's 1937 speech emphasizes the importance of controlling reliability. After Stalin's death, the era of Nikita Khrushchev begins. Khrushchev adopts a softer policy and attempts to reduce tortures. However, the period under the leadership of Ivan Sero at the helm of the KGB represents a harsher approach than the previous ones.

Following Khrushchev, during Leonid Brezhnev's era, the influence of KGB expands, and Soviet Diplomat-Agents operate in connection with the KGB. During this period, KGB led various operations to expand Soviet influence and intensify espionage activities worldwide.
Under Mikhail Gorbachev's leadership during the perestroika (restructuring) period, the influence of KGB diminishes, and in 1991, with the collapse of the Soviet Union, the KGB officially closes. However, the FSB (Federal Security Service), the successor of the KGB, continues to operate in Russia.

In 1999, Vladimir Putin, a former KGB agent, becomes the President of Russia. Putin's career garners attention with a rapid rise, and his KGB past influences his leadership style. Putin served in Germany during the KGB era, engaging in espionage activities with false identities.
During Putin's presidency, Russian intelligence's influence and espionage activities persist. Under Putin's leadership, he leads various espionage operations to ensure Russia's national security.

In conclusion, the history of KGB has hosted significant events and technological developments that shaped the history of espionage. The evolution of this organization contributes to our understanding of the modern-day influence of Russian intelligence. Under Putin's leadership, the legacy of the KGB still influences Russia's domestic and foreign policies.