In the book of memoirs of the last head of foreign intelligence of the KGB of the USSR L.V. Shebarshin recreated the events preceding the collapse of the Soviet Union, as well as those few days of the “August putsch” of 1991, which became a turning point in the fate of the great country. Themes of recruiting work, connections with foreign agents, obtaining information, and “illegal” intelligence are revealed against the backdrop of a crisis of power and society, which also affected intelligence. More than 30 years have passed since the collapse of the USSR. Some of us managed to fully adapt to new realities. But not L.V. Shebarshin. The legendary intelligence officer, head of foreign intelligence of the USSR, whose decency, honesty and courage were recognized even by his enemies, took his own life in 2012. Is it because his sharp analytical mind, knowledge and experience were not needed by the reconstructed Russia... The book includes memoirs and interviews with the lieutenant general.