Nikita Khrushchev, the leader of the Soviet Union, publicly declared that American U-2 pilot Gary Powers had been captured following the downing of his spy plane over Soviet territory. Powers was conducting a reconnaissance mission on behalf of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) when his aircraft was intercepted by Soviet missiles. The U-2 plane had been built for high-altitude surveillance, providing critical intelligence on Soviet military capabilities. The incident occurred during a period characterized by heightened Cold War tensions between the United States and the Soviet Union. Khrushchev revealed Powers' capture during a speech at a Soviet Parliament session, showcasing both the technological capabilities of Soviet air defense and the audacity of American espionage efforts.Khrushchev's announcement was strategically timed to coincide with a scheduled summit in Paris between the leaders of the United States, the United Kingdom, France, and the Soviet Union. The revelation of the U-2 incident undermined U.S. President Dwight D. Eisenhower's diplomatic efforts, leading to a significant breakdown in negotiations. During the ensuing discussions, Khrushchev demanded an apology for the U.S.'s aerial spying, which was denied. The event not only emphasized the fragile state of international relations at the time but also highlighted the risks associated with Cold War espionage.The aftermath of Powers' capture prompted considerable debate in the U.S. about intelligence operations and military oversight. Powers was ultimately tried and convicted of espionage, serving nearly two years in a Soviet prison before being exchanged for a captured Soviet spy in a dramatic Cold War prisoner swap. The U-2 incident would serve as a catalyst for a series of provocative military and diplomatic confrontations between the U.S. and the Soviet Union throughout the 1960s.