The power dynamic in Oramov and Trevelyan's relationship could easily change in 9 years, particularly in a temperamental political climate like post-Soviet Russia. The things we know for certain are that he planned to fake his own death and that at the time the opening is set he is cooperating with Oramov to defect. It's logical, but that doesn't mean it's the only way to read his character. Most, if not all of that, is supposition though.
