Yuri Drozdov, a Soviet superspy who played a role in key events of the Cold War, from Berlin to Kabul, and masterminded a mysterious network of K.G.B. operatives known as the “illegals,” has died at the age of 91.
His death was announced by Russia’s foreign intelligence service, known as the S.V.R. saying;
“General Drozdov devoted his life to serving the Motherland and enhancing the country’s national security”. President Vladimir Putin, who was a lieutenant colonel in the K.G.B named General Drozdov a hero of what is known in Russia as illegal intelligence, which he said “helps identify and block external threats in a timely manner and protect our sovereignty and right to be a free and independent country.”
The agents overseen by General Drozdov were planted in other countries disguised as residents and lived there while making contacts and gathering information.