Russian emigrants left their mark all over the world, collaborating with various organizations, from the Paraguayan army to the government of Tahiti. Their influence is also noticeable in the history of the CIA. Let's consider one such example.

In 1919, Alexander Barmin, a student at Kyiv University, dropped out of school and voluntarily joined the Red Army. He fought against the Basmachi in Turkestan, graduated from the Military Academy, and achieved the rank of brigade commander. Later, Barmin engaged in diplomatic and intelligence activities abroad during the Great Terror. Realizing that he could become a victim of repression, he fled to the USA and established contacts with American intelligence.

In 1942, Barmin joined the American army as a private. This attracted media attention, and he gave an interview in which he noted that he was no longer a Soviet general but was serving his new homeland. He also expressed surprise at the high level of food and treatment in the American army.

Although Barmin was not sent to the front, he was assigned to Langley at the Office of Strategic Services, the predecessor of the CIA. Together with Sergey Obolensky, he prepared sabotage groups for operations behind enemy lines, using the Soviet "Handbook for the Red Partisan." These groups successfully completed a number of missions in Europe.

However, his work at the OSS was short-lived. Barmin published an article titled "The New Communist Conspiracy," criticizing Roosevelt for his rapprochement with the USSR, which led to his dismissal. He then lived a quiet life, married the granddaughter of President Theodore Roosevelt, and passed away in 1987.