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CIA and MI6 Protected Bandera, Blocking KGB Assassination

8/24/2026

43 9 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

MI6 cut ties with Stepan Bandera in February 1954 after his refusal.
In January 1955 the CIA and MI6 agreed to protect Bandera while blocking a KGB assassination.
West Germany’s BND retained Bandera as an agent and shielded him through handler Gerhard von Mende.
The BND pursued a U.S. visa for Bandera in July 1959 to connect him with émigrés.
A CIA memo dated October 5 1959 said the agency could influence Bandera’s visa approval.

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Story summary

MI6 cut ties with Stepan Bandera in February 1954 after his refusal.
In January 1955 the CIA and MI6 agreed to protect Bandera while blocking a KGB assassination.
West Germany’s BND retained Bandera as an agent and shielded him through handler Gerhard von Mende.
The BND pursued a U.S. visa for Bandera in July 1959 to connect him with émigrés.
A CIA memo dated October 5 1959 said the agency could influence Bandera’s visa approval.