Inside Russian Intelligence: CIA Insider on Putin’s Playbook, Ukraine & the Next War

Former CIA Senior Operations Officer Sean Wiswesser joins State Secrets to break down how Russian intelligence really operates—and why the threat is more serious than most Americans understand. Drawing on decades of experience targeting Moscow’s intelligence services, Wiswesser explains how Russia blends Cold War tradecraft with modern tools like cyber operations, AI-driven influence campaigns, and hybrid warfare. From election interference to the war in Ukraine, he outlines how the Kremlin is working to weaken the United States and its allies—often below the threshold of open conflict. The conversation also explores Russia’s relationship with Iran, the evolution of espionage tactics, and why intelligence—not just military force—will define the next global conflict. If you want to understand how adversaries operate in the gray zone—and what it means for U.S. national security—this is a conversation you don’t want to miss. 00:00 – Intro: Inside Russian Intelligence 01:30 – Russia, Iran, and Strategic Interests 05:30 – How Russian Intelligence Really Works 10:30 – Election Interference & “Active Measures” 16:00 – Cold War Tradecraft vs Modern Tech 20:30 – Ukraine War: Intelligence Failures & Adaptation 26:30 – Why Americans Misunderstand the Threat 31:00 – Is the U.S. Losing the Information War? 34:30 – Final Thoughts: The Next Conflict