Are you confused about the secret investigation into allegations of Russian involvement in the 2016 election? Like you, my knowledge of the Russians and international espionage is limited to Jason Bourne films, so I jumped at a chance to chat with an expert on the Russians and their practices.

Paul Zalucky grew up in Chicago the son of Ukrainian immigrants. He graduated from Northwestern and Georgetown. His language skills earned him an invite from the CIA, where he served for 28 years in a senior role in Moscow, the Ukraine, Poland, India, Pakistan, and Afghanistan. After retirement, he and his wife, Carole, moved to the Boothbay area.

Last week, I asked him if he was surprised at allegations that Russians used social media to interfere in the 2016 presidential election.

Not at all, he answered. They are very good at it.

As an example he cited an incident that took place not long after German troops became involved in the Ukraine, opposing Russian-backed invaders. The Russians used social media to circulate a fake story about the alleged rape of a Ukrainian girl by German soldiers. The report was picked up on Russian TV and migrated to other social media outlets in Germany as part of a campaign to create chaos and discord in Germany.

Recently, Special Counsel Robert Mueller indicted 13 Russians alleging that they waged information warfare against the United States. Their purpose was to spread distrust towards the 2016 presidential candidates and the political system, said Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein.

Why would the Russians care? I thought the Cold War was over. “It never ended,” Zalucky said.

The smiling former American intelligence agent didn’t hesitate with his assessment of Russia, and its leader, Vladimir Putin. “Russia is a Mafia state. He is a thug.”

To prove his point, Zalucky cited the recent nerve gas attack on a former Russian spy living in the U.K.

Putin is running for reelection (he won) and wants to show he is a strong leader. The attempted murder is a way for Putin to show how tough he is on his enemies, Zalucky said.

The British government claims Russia is responsible for the attack. In retaliation, the Brits kicked out 23 Russian diplomats. That may not be a harsh punishment, but press reports suggest they also may move to confiscate the London-based assets of some Russian billionaires. That could get the attention of some of Putin’s pals.

Other signs of Putin’s need to demonstrate strength include the invasion of Crimea and the Ukraine. It is part of the Russian mindset, Zalucky said.

“Russians always need someone outside to blame for their problems. It is always a case of us vs. them.”

Russian intelligence services keep a close watch on diplomats, major business figures, and journalists when they visit Moscow. Sometimes they will use attractive women and even classical musicians to cozy up to targeted visitors. And, all the hotel rooms are fitted with video cameras to catch unsuspecting targets in private moments.

Zalucky said agents archive these films. “They may not ever use it, but if they do, they will use it for blackmail,” he said.

How might these examples relate to the Mueller investigation into possible connections with the Russians and the president, if any?

Zalucky was quick to explain he has no knowledge of the facts of the current Russian investigation being conducted by the special counsel. But he offered some thoughts on the direction it might take.

An obvious move for someone probing the background of an international businessman would be to check out his business and financial dealings. One of the tools created after the 9/11 attack on America is an FBI financial center said to be very sophisticated.

“Mueller will follow the money,” he said.

Ironically, on the same day I chatted with Zalucky, the New York Times reported that Mueller had issued subpoenas for the president’s business records. 

GOP critics of the Mueller investigation cite his use of a “dossier” compiled by former British spy Christopher Steele which contains salacious allegations. They say it is flawed because it was paid for, in part, by the 2016 Clinton election campaign.

Zalucky says he does not know Steele but said the “dossier” reads like a series of raw intelligence reports, much like the reports American agents prepare. “We are not political. We gather information and pass it on to analysts for their assessments,” he said.

Another possible avenue for Mueller might be to ask for help from other foreign intelligence agencies like the Brits, the French and the Poles. “These folks are very good and they talk to each other,” he said.

As for the special counsel, the retired agent said he is a pro. “I know Mueller. He is intense, sharp, thorough, and does not suffer fools.”