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Today in History: Rudolf Abel Exchanged for CIA Pilot Powers

2/10/2026

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Summary

Story summary

On February 10, 1962, Rudolf Abel, a Soviet spy arrested by the FBI, was exchanged for Francis Gary Powers, a CIA pilot captured after his U-2 spy plane was shot down over the Soviet Union in 1960. This high-profile prisoner swap marked a significant moment in Cold War tensions between the United States and the Soviet Union.

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Story summary

On February 10, 1962, Rudolf Abel, a Soviet spy arrested by the FBI, was exchanged for Francis Gary Powers, a CIA pilot captured after his U-2 spy plane was shot down over the Soviet Union in 1960. This high-profile prisoner swap marked a significant moment in Cold War tensions between the United States and the Soviet Union.