S.V.R.

Mr. Burns called Sergei Naryshkin, the leader of Russia’s foreign intelligence service, which is known as the S.V.R., said the official, who was briefed on the call and spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss intelligence matters.

In April 2021, the United States imposed sanctions and expelled 10 Russian diplomats, including the chief of station for the S.V.R., who was based in Washington and had two years left on his tour, two former American officials said.

They had assumed false names and worked ordinary jobs as part of an ambitious attempt by the S.V.R.,

But covert operations overseas are usually run by the S.V.R., which succeeded the K.G.B., or the G.R.U.,

One of the most celebrated at S.V.R. headquarters in Moscow is Col.