In the Shadow of Mordor

Совершенно Секретно

Eyes Only Colonel Kozlov

Subject: Black Widow

From: FSB Rezident, Washington

The initial operational phase of Black Widow is complete. Phase 2 is underway.

Subject’s activities already are well-known, but additional information was successfully elicited by our new operative.

Subject continues to publish liberal slanders against the Motherland concerning so-called “political prisoners” and “Mafia connections,” but even worse are his revelations about our external work. He names Euro-deputies loyal to us, delineates the pro-Russian sentiments in various European countries, and the influence of Russian business over certain foreign politicians. He also has collated what our European friends have said against the United States, with emphasis on anti-NATO sentiments. The similarity of these statements leads to the conclusion that all are based on guidance from Moscow and are aimed at disrupting the North Atlantic Alliance.

It is also clear that Subject possesses sources of highly sensitive information concerning the Russian military and its strategic planning, especially in the Donbas.

Subject is winning influence among American policymakers and elements of the right wing press. It is fair to speculate that if he is allowed to continue his subversive activities, his trajectory in Washington will continue only to rise. It is clear that he still has sources inside the Motherland, as well as in Ukraine where he resided for a number of years. Some of these sources may be official, and it is even possible that he is a witting agent of the CIA or FBI.

The Rezidentura has launched Phase 2 of this operation, the surveillance of subject. This task is simplified by the work of our asset in locating Subject’s home and office. We should be in a position within a matter of weeks to accurately predict Subject’s movements. The Center will be advised as soon as sufficient data has been gathered.

The full report of our operative is attached.