Rosalind S. Helderman, Tom Hamburger, Shane Harris and Carol D. Leonnig, The Washington Post Published 6:10 pm PDT, Tuesday, July 17, 2018 WASHINGTON - For nearly five years, the young Russian political-science student was an unusual fixture at the most important events of the U.S. conservative movement. Maria Butina, who was indicted this week on charges of being a covert Russian agent, struck up friendships with the influential leaders of the National Rifle Association and the Conservative Political Action Conference, touting her interest in U.S. affairs and efforts to promote gun rights in Vladimir Putin's restrictive Russia. She sidled up to GOP presidential candidates, seeking first an encounter with Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker and then, after his rising candidacy stumbled, with Donald Trump. But by August 2016, when she moved to the U.S. on a student visa, the FBI was watching, according to U.S. officials familiar with the matter. Rather than question or confront … [Read more...] about ‘She was like a novelty’: How alleged Russian agent Maria Butina gained access to elite conservative circles
How to say hello in russian
Woman charged with being Russian agent says she met Walker
Scott Bauer, Associated Press Updated 2:56 pm PDT, Monday, July 16, 2018 MADISON, Wis. (AP) — A woman charged Monday with being a covert agent for Russia inside the U.S. says she attended Gov. Scott Walker's presidential campaign launch event in 2015 and also posted a picture of herself with Walker on a blog where she praised his ability to speak a few words in Russian. Maria Butina said in the post, reported by Mother Jones magazine in May, that Walker greeted her in Russian when they met at an April 2015 event in Tennessee. She said in the post that Walker, who she said knew how to say "hello" and "thank you" in Russian, did not show any aggression toward Russia. Walker's re-election campaign spokesman Brian Reisinger had no immediate comment Monday. Federal prosecutors have charged Butina with conspiracy to act as an unregistered agent of the Russian government and accused her of working to infiltrate American political organizations, including the National … [Read more...] about Woman charged with being Russian agent says she met Walker
In Trump’s U.K. Visit, Some See ‘Infomercial’ for Money-Losing Golf Resort
Sections SEARCH Skip to content Skip to site index Europe Subscribe Log In Subscribe Log In Advertisement Supported by ByKatie Rogers July 14, 2018 GLASGOW — On Monday, President Trump will have a closely watched meeting with President Vladimir V. Putin of Russia, just days after the announcement that 12 Russian military intelligence officers had been indicted on charges of hacking Democratic organizations in an effort to influence the 2016 election. But first, a bit of golf. Mr. Trump is likely to tee off this weekend, ensconced from the public and the news media, at Trump Turnberry, the luxury resort where he will be staying and which he has described as “magical” while on the world stage this past week. Before arriving in Scotland — the birthplace of his mother, as well as that of Mr. Trump’s preferred pastime — the president managed repeatedly to plug Turnberry, one of two Scottish resorts that … [Read more...] about In Trump’s U.K. Visit, Some See ‘Infomercial’ for Money-Losing Golf Resort
Man Behind Hoax Russian Journalist Assassination Says It Was Ploy To ‘Slap Putin in the Face’
World A man who claims he was tasked with killing the journalist Arkady Babchenko said the hoax assassination was part of a plot to get intelligence. Last month, Babchenko, who fled Russia in 2017, faked his own death before appearing at a news conference in Kiev to say it was a ploy to flush out a genuine Russian plot to kill him. Oleksiy Tsymbaliuk told the BBC he was behind the ruse and that he was approached in April to carry out the hit by fellow Ukrainian Borys Herman, who co-owns a weapons factory. Borys Herman, who according to Ukrainian authorities is suspect in a plot to murder Russian dissident Arkady Babchenko, attends a court hearing in Kiev, Ukraine May 31, 2018. REUTERS/Volodymyr Hontar Recommended Slideshows 51 In Pictures: The 50 Most Powerful Military Forces in the World 61 Every World Press Photo Winner Ever: 60 Images That Define Our World He said that after several meetings and online messages, he got a $14,000 advance … [Read more...] about Man Behind Hoax Russian Journalist Assassination Says It Was Ploy To ‘Slap Putin in the Face’
Roman Abramovich told to prove where his billions came from to get back in UK as Kremlin accuses Britain of ‘anti-Russian mania’ in visa row
BILLIONAIRE Chelsea boss Roman Abramovich may be asked to account for his vast wealth before being allowed back into the UK, it has been claimed. The oligarch is currently unable to get back into Britain owing to the fact his visa has not yet been renewed - with the Kremlin accusing Britain of "anti-Russian mania". Those close to Moscow-based Abramovich insist his request for a new visa has simply been delayed by the Home Office rather than denied. It appears he may have been caught up in a clampdown - sparked by the Skripals' poisoning - on dirty money flowing into Britain and is now being treated as a new applicant, but there is no suggestion of any wrongdoing on his part. However Abramovich - Britain's 13th-richest man - will be asked to prove how he made his billions, The Times reported. According to the paper, he will also be asked to prove that his “character, conduct or associations” contribute to the public good. What we know so far: Chelsea FC owner Roman … [Read more...] about Roman Abramovich told to prove where his billions came from to get back in UK as Kremlin accuses Britain of ‘anti-Russian mania’ in visa row