Soviet espionage was the practice of spying by the Soviet Union, a country which existed from 1922 to 1991. The Soviet Union used spies to gather information about other countries, especially its enemies. This could include military secrets, political activities, or other information. The Soviet Union used its network of spies to gain an advantage over its rivals and to gain access to other countries' resources. Many famous spies, such as Rudolf Abel, worked for the Soviet Union during this time. They often worked secretly and in secret locations, such as embassies or even within other countries. They also used secret codes, special techniques, and disguises to avoid detection. The Soviets had a large network of spies that worked around the world, and they were responsible for stealing secrets from countries like the United States, the United Kingdom, and even China. The Cold War between the Soviet Union and the West was largely fought through espionage, and this was ultimately one of the primary reasons for the fall of the Soviet Union.