In Salt (2010), why does Orlov claim that Salt is a Russian spy during his interrogation by the CIA?
It damages the cover of if not dooms entirely a valuable asset (which Orlov calls "my greatest creation").
The assigned assassination of the Russian president becomes 10x harder. Salt comes literally inches away from being stopped multiple times (even being grazed by a bullet).
The explanation of the KA program increases the risk of other agents being exposed.
The testimony provides evidence that the assassination was in fact not US-sponsored, as the Russian spies would have the world believe.
If Orlov needed to give her information (assignment, hostage husband, etc.), it could have been done somewhere else than CIA facilities.
This seemingly goes against every one of Orlov's operating motives.
So why did Orlov want the CIA to suspect Salt was a Russian spy?