Arkady Shevchenko

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Arkady Shevchenko 1980s

Arkady Shevchenko

Arkady Nikolayevich Shevchenko (Russian: Аркадий Николаевич Шевченко) was a Soviet diplomat who defected to the United States in 1978. He served as the Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations before his defection. Shevchenko's defection was a significant event during the Cold War, shedding light on the inner workings of the Soviet government and intelligence apparatus.

Early Life and Career

Shevchenko was born on October 30, 1930, in Ukraine. He joined the Soviet Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 1959 and quickly rose through the ranks due to his intelligence and diplomatic skills. Shevchenko became a trusted aide to Soviet Foreign Minister Andrei Gromyko and later served as the Soviet Ambassador to the United Nations.

Defection

In 1978, Arkady Shevchenko made the daring decision to defect to the United States while serving as the Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations. His defection shocked the international community and strained relations between the United States and the Soviet Union. Shevchenko provided valuable information about Soviet intelligence operations and the inner workings of the Soviet government.

Later Life

After defecting, Shevchenko settled in the United States and wrote a memoir titled "Breaking with Moscow." He became a vocal critic of the Soviet regime and continued to advocate for human rights and democracy. Shevchenko's insights into Soviet diplomacy and politics were highly valued by Western intelligence agencies and scholars.

Legacy

Arkady Shevchenko's defection marked a significant turning point in the Cold War, providing valuable intelligence to the West and exposing the oppressive nature of the Soviet regime. His courage in defecting and his subsequent contributions to understanding Soviet politics have left a lasting impact on diplomatic history.