After being convicted by the United States for being a Russian agent interfering with its internal affairs. Maria Butina has got a new job.&nbsp;

She will be hosting a show for Russia's state-owned network RT.

In a promotional video, Butina can be seen wearing a t-shirt with the words 'foreign agent' written on it.

Butina will be hosting a show called "wonderful Russia bu-bu-bu" where bu roughly translates to blah in English.

Interestingly, the title appears to parody a catchphrase used by Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, who talks of the “wonderful Russia of the future” when president Vladimir Putin is no longer in power.

Butina- a gun-rights activist was convicted of conspiring to act as an agent for a foreign state in the US She was deported to Russia earlier this year.

She was imprisoned for more than 15 months in the US.

However, upon reaching Russia, Butina said that she was forced into confessing that she was a spy.

31-year-old Butina had pleaded guilty in a US Court to conspiring to act as an agent for Russia by infiltrating a gun-rights group and influencing republicans during the 2016 presidential election.

After being convicted by the United States for being a Russian agent interfering with its internal affairs. Maria Butina has got a new job. She will be hosting a show for Russia's state-owned network RT.

After being convicted by the United States for being a Russian agent interfering with its internal affairs. Maria Butina has got a new job. She will be hosting a show for Russia's state-owned network RT. In a promotional video, Butina can be seen wearing a t-shirt with the words 'foreign agent' written on it. Butina will be hosting a show called "wonderful Russia bu-bu-bu" where bu roughly translates to blah in English. Interestingly, the title appears to parody a catchphrase used by Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, who talks of the “wonderful Russia of the future” when president Vladimir Putin is no longer in power. Butina- a gun-rights activist was convicted of conspiring to act as an agent for a foreign state in the US She was deported to Russia earlier this year. She was imprisoned for more than 15 months in the US. However, upon reaching Russia, Butina said that she was forced into confessing that she was a spy. 31-year-old Butina had pleaded guilty in a US Court to conspiring to act as an agent for Russia by infiltrating a gun-rights group and influencing republicans during the 2016 presidential election.

Maria Butina: Russian agent deported from US, will host TV show

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-express-outrage-over-maria-butina-conviction-putin-says-its-arbitrary-213911">Maria&nbsp;Butina</a>, the Russian gun advocate who built a network of high-level Republican contacts before being arrested for spying, was freed from US prison Friday after serving nine months, the Bureau of Prisons said.

Butina&nbsp;was handed over to the Immigration and Customs Enforcement Bureau and was expected to be deported back to Russia, where she has been celebrated by the government as a victim of unjust, politically motivated charges in the United States.

The only Russian arrested and convicted in the three-year investigation of Moscow's interference in US politics,&nbsp;Butina&nbsp;parlayed ties with the NRA firearms lobby into a network of high-level Republican allies.

That network brought her into contact with President Donald Trump before his 2016 election, as well as with one of his sons.

Case heralded by Russia

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-agent-maria-butina-sentenced-to-18-months-213784">30-year-old native of Siberia</a> said she was on a quest to establish better relations between Russia and the United States, and enrolled in university in Washington while living with a Republican operative.

She attended political rallies and NRA conventions, often with her powerful Moscow sponsor Alexander Torshin, a politician close to President Vladimir Putin.

Her social media was full of pictures of her posing with various firearms around the United States, in some dressed in camo with an assault rifle and, in one, as a cowgirl with a giant six-shooter.

And she had her picture taken with some of the country's conservative elite: NRA head Wayne LaPierre, senator Rick Santorum, Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker, and President Donald Trump's son Don Jr.

But she was arrested in July 2018 on allegations she was engaging in espionage, though she had no connection with Russia's established spy agencies.

In December,&nbsp;Butina&nbsp;entered a plea deal on a charge that she acted as an illegal, unregistered foreign agent, and was sentenced to 18 months in prison, half of which was credited as already served.

The Russian foreign ministry made her into a cause celebre, placing a picture of her with the word "Free&nbsp;Butina" at the top of its social media pages.

There was no immediate comment from&nbsp;Butina&nbsp;or her lawyer, but Russian media said she was expected back as early as Saturday.

Case remains murky

Even with her release, her case remained murky. US prosecutors watered-down early allegations that she was an operative of Russia's intelligence agencies, and described her only as funded by senior politician Torshin.

But they maintained that she had a mission to infiltrate US political circles in an operation to "spot and assess" potential espionage targets.

Part of that involved becoming the live-in girlfriend of a mid-level Republican operative who sponsored her as a graduate student at American University in Washington.

"There is no doubt that she was not simply a graduate student," Assistant US Attorney Erik Kenerson told the court.

But&nbsp;Butina&nbsp;maintained that, guided by Torshin, she genuinely sought to create people-to-people channels of cooperation and fell victim to a higher level of intrigue relating to Russian election interference.

She told NPR radio from jail that, while a graduate student in politics at American University, she had only sought to be involved in "civil diplomacy."

"I never hide my love to my motherland neither to this country... I love both countries, and I was building peace."

Spy away?

Her future in Russia remained unknown. There was some speculation that Moscow's arrest of an American, Paul Whelan, last December for alleged espionage was a tit for tat and that her release could lead to his.

But Whelan's brother David told AFP this week that it appeared Moscow could want much more in return for Paul Whelan's release, including a possible swap for other US-jailed spies and the reopening of two Russian-leased estates in New York and Maryland that were forced closed in 2017 in retaliation for Russian election meddling.

Nevertheless, Whelan tweeted on Friday: "I wish the very best for Ms&nbsp;Butina&nbsp;and much joy for her reunion with her family. We look forward to the same opportunity with Paul in the future."

Maria Butina, the Russian gun advocate who built a network of high-level Republican contacts before being arrested for spying, was freed from US prison Friday after serving nine months, the Bureau of Prisons said.

Maria Butina, the Russian gun advocate who built a network of high-level Republican contacts before being arrested for spying, was freed from US prison Friday after serving nine months, the Bureau of Prisons said. Butina was handed over to the Immigration and Customs Enforcement Bureau and was expected to be deported back to Russia, where she has been celebrated by the government as a victim of unjust, politically motivated charges in the United States. The only Russian arrested and convicted in the three-year investigation of Moscow's interference in US politics, Butina parlayed ties with the NRA firearms lobby into a network of high-level Republican allies. That network brought her into contact with President Donald Trump before his 2016 election, as well as with one of his sons. Case heralded by Russia The 30-year-old native of Siberia said she was on a quest to establish better relations between Russia and the United States, and enrolled in university in Washington while living with a Republican operative. She attended political rallies and NRA conventions, often with her powerful Moscow sponsor Alexander Torshin, a politician close to President Vladimir Putin. Her social media was full of pictures of her posing with various firearms around the United States, in some dressed in camo with an assault rifle and, in one, as a cowgirl with a giant six-shooter. And she had her picture taken with some of the country's conservative elite: NRA head Wayne LaPierre, senator Rick Santorum, Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker, and President Donald Trump's son Don Jr. But she was arrested in July 2018 on allegations she was engaging in espionage, though she had no connection with Russia's established spy agencies. In December, Butina entered a plea deal on a charge that she acted as an illegal, unregistered foreign agent, and was sentenced to 18 months in prison, half of which was credited as already served. The Russian foreign ministry made her into a cause celebre, placing a picture of her with the word "Free Butina" at the top of its social media pages. There was no immediate comment from Butina or her lawyer, but Russian media said she was expected back as early as Saturday. Case remains murky Even with her release, her case remained murky. US prosecutors watered-down early allegations that she was an operative of Russia's intelligence agencies, and described her only as funded by senior politician Torshin. But they maintained that she had a mission to infiltrate US political circles in an operation to "spot and assess" potential espionage targets. Part of that involved becoming the live-in girlfriend of a mid-level Republican operative who sponsored her as a graduate student at American University in Washington. "There is no doubt that she was not simply a graduate student," Assistant US Attorney Erik Kenerson told the court. But Butina maintained that, guided by Torshin, she genuinely sought to create people-to-people channels of cooperation and fell victim to a higher level of intrigue relating to Russian election interference. She told NPR radio from jail that, while a graduate student in politics at American University, she had only sought to be involved in "civil diplomacy." "I never hide my love to my motherland neither to this country... I love both countries, and I was building peace." Spy away? Her future in Russia remained unknown. There was some speculation that Moscow's arrest of an American, Paul Whelan, last December for alleged espionage was a tit for tat and that her release could lead to his. But Whelan's brother David told AFP this week that it appeared Moscow could want much more in return for Paul Whelan's release, including a possible swap for other US-jailed spies and the reopening of two Russian-leased estates in New York and Maryland that were forced closed in 2017 in retaliation for Russian election meddling. Nevertheless, Whelan tweeted on Friday: "I wish the very best for Ms Butina and much joy for her reunion with her family. We look forward to the same opportunity with Paul in the future."

Russian 'agent' Maria Butina released from United States prison

Russian national Maria Butina, who was jailed in the United States in April after admitting to working as a Russian agent, arrived in Moscow on Saturday (October 26), greeted by her father and Russian journalists who handed her flowers.

Maria Butina deported to Russia; 'Hero's welcome in Moscow

Russian national Maria Butina, who was jailed in the United States in April after admitting to working as a Russian agent, arrived in Moscow on Saturday, greeted by her father and Russian journalists who handed her flowers.

Russian national Maria Butina, who was jailed in the United States in April after admitting to working as a Russian agent, arrived in Moscow on Saturday, greeted by her father and Russian journalists who handed her flowers. "Russians never surrender," she said in a brief statement at the airport, flanked by her father and a foreign ministry spokesman. She thanked her supporters and added she was happy to be back. Butina pleaded guilty in December last year to one count of conspiring to act as a foreign agent for Russia by infiltrating a gun rights group and influencing US conservative activists and Republicans. Her case further strained the US-Russian relations, prompting Moscow to accuse Washington of forcing Butina, a 30-year-old graduate student, to confess to what it described as ridiculous charges. Butina, released from a Florida prison on Friday after serving most of her 18-month sentence, did not comment on her case in her statement at the airport. But in an interview with Russian state media apparently recorded during the flight, Butina insisted on her innocence. "Some actions will need to be taken with regards to the outrage that happened to me," RIA news agency quoted her as saying. Butina had been scheduled for release from the low-security prison in Tallahassee in early November, but a change in federal law moved up her release date based on credit for good behaviour, according to her attorney in the United States, Robert Driscoll. Her 18-month sentence included nine months she spent incarcerated after her July 2018 arrest.

Russian woman convicted by US of being agent returns home

Russian national <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-express-outrage-over-maria-butina-conviction-putin-says-its-arbitrary-213911">Maria&nbsp;Butina</a>, who was jailed in the United States in April after admitting to working as a Russian agent, arrived in Moscow on Saturday, greeted by her father and Russian journalists who handed her flowers.

Butina pleaded guilty in December last year to one count of conspiring to act as a foreign agent for Russia, prompting Moscow to accuse Washington of forcing her to confess to what it described as ridiculous charges.

The only Russian arrested and convicted in the three-year investigation of Moscow's interference in US politics,&nbsp;Butina&nbsp;parlayed ties with the NRA firearms lobby into a network of high-level Republican allies.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-agent-maria-butina-sentenced-to-18-months-213784">30-year-old native of Siberia</a>&nbsp;said she was on a quest to establish better relations between Russia and the United States, and enrolled in university in Washington while living with a Republican operative.

She attended political rallies and NRA conventions, often with her powerful Moscow sponsor Alexander Torshin, a politician close to President Vladimir Putin.

Her social media was full of pictures of her posing with various firearms around the United States, in some dressed in camo with an assault rifle and, in one, as a cowgirl with a giant six-shooter.

And she had her picture taken with some of the country's conservative elite: NRA head Wayne LaPierre, senator Rick Santorum, Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker, and President Donald Trump's son Don Jr.

But she was arrested in July 2018 on allegations she was engaging in espionage, though she had no connection with Russia's established spy agencies.

In December,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-agent-maria-butina-released-from-united-states-prison-258249">Butina&nbsp;entered a plea deal</a> on a charge that she acted as an illegal, unregistered foreign agent, and was sentenced to 18 months in prison, half of which was credited as already served.

The Russian foreign ministry made her into a cause celebre, placing a picture of her with the word "Free&nbsp;Butina" at the top of its social media pages.

Russian national Maria Butina, who was jailed in the United States in April after admitting to working as a Russian agent, arrived in Moscow on Saturday, greeted by her father and Russian journalists who handed her flowers. Butina pleaded guilty in December last year to one count of conspiring to act as a foreign agent for Russia, prompting Moscow to accuse Washington of forcing her to confess to what it described as ridiculous charges. The only Russian arrested and convicted in the three-year investigation of Moscow's interference in US politics, Butina parlayed ties with the NRA firearms lobby into a network of high-level Republican allies. The 30-year-old native of Siberia said she was on a quest to establish better relations between Russia and the United States, and enrolled in university in Washington while living with a Republican operative. She attended political rallies and NRA conventions, often with her powerful Moscow sponsor Alexander Torshin, a politician close to President Vladimir Putin. Her social media was full of pictures of her posing with various firearms around the United States, in some dressed in camo with an assault rifle and, in one, as a cowgirl with a giant six-shooter. And she had her picture taken with some of the country's conservative elite: NRA head Wayne LaPierre, senator Rick Santorum, Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker, and President Donald Trump's son Don Jr. But she was arrested in July 2018 on allegations she was engaging in espionage, though she had no connection with Russia's established spy agencies. In December, Butina entered a plea deal on a charge that she acted as an illegal, unregistered foreign agent, and was sentenced to 18 months in prison, half of which was credited as already served. The Russian foreign ministry made her into a cause celebre, placing a picture of her with the word "Free Butina" at the top of its social media pages.

Convicted Russian agent Maria Butina lands in Moscow after deportation from United States

Maria Butina, the only <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-agent-maria-butina-sentenced-to-18-months-213784">Russian arrested and convicted</a> in the three-year investigation of Moscow's interference in US politics, was sentenced on Friday to 18 months in prison.

The leader of a small Russian gun rights group, the 30-year-old Siberian native used her ties to the National Rifle Association to build a network of powerful Republican contacts.

She had admitted one count of conspiracy to act as an agent of a foreign government without registering -- a so-called "espionage-lite" charge the US has used before against alleged Russian spies.

Prosecutors said that although she worked openly and was not tied to any Russian intelligence agency, she was sending back reports to a high-level Russian government official and posed a threat to the United States.

"I humbly request forgiveness. I'm not this evil person depicted in the media," she told the court in Washington before her sentence was announced.

Dressed in a dark blue pajama-like prison uniform, her long red hair pulled behind her shoulders, Butina's voice broke as she addressed the court in fluent, Russian-accented English.

She told the court she had only wanted to work towards better US-Russian relations and would have registered as a foreign agent if she had known it was required by law.

Top Republicans

Moscow expressed outrage over the treatment of Butina, who was given credit for nine months already served and will be deported when she is released.

"The accusations brought against her, intended to influence the internal political process in the United States, are totally invented and fabricated," Russia's foreign ministry said in a statement.&nbsp;

"Our compatriot was condemned just because she is a Russian citizen," it added.

On the sidelines of a summit in Beijing, Russian President Vladimir Putin called the conviction "arbitrary".

"There is nothing we could accuse her of, but to make this case not look completely ridiculous, she was sentenced to 18 months in prison," he said.

Butina's case played out against a backdrop of tension between Moscow and Washington over what US intelligence says was a concerted effort by Russian spies to interfere in the 2016 presidential election, using hacking and social media manipulation to help President Donald Trump to victory.

Special Counsel Robert Mueller charged 25 Russians with conspiracy for those activities, but, with all of them believed to be in Russia, none have been arrested.

US prosecutors acknowledged that Butina had nothing to do with those cases but alleged that she was part of a "spot-and-assess" operation to identify potential recruits.

A gun rights campaigner who attended NRA events and invited top gun lobby officials to Russia, she lived as a graduate student in Washington with her boyfriend, a Republican and NRA activist.&nbsp;

Her activities brought her in contact with top Republicans, including Trump at a rally in 2015, where she was chosen to ask the then-candidate about US-Russian relations.

Updates to Russia

Butina sent regular updates to her handler Alexander Torshin, at the time a senior Kremlin politician and central bank deputy governor who had accompanied her to NRA conventions.

"There is no doubt that she was not simply a graduate student," Assistant US Attorney Erik Kenerson told the court.

"She was simultaneously trying to make contacts... for the benefit of the Russian Federation."

Steven Hall, the CIA's former chief of Russian operations, said her operating in the open was simply an innovative tactic in Putin's "broader hybrid-warfare influence operation."&nbsp;

"She's part of the Kremlin's plan to try to weaken the United States and the West," he said.

Butina's lawyer Robert Driscoll, a prominent Republican attorney, said she had broken no law besides the registration statute, and would not have been pursued had she been of a different nationality.

It remained to be seen whether Butina's sentencing would impact the case of Paul Whelan, an American corporate security expert arrested while in Moscow for a wedding late last year and accused of espionage.

Some Russian experts said his arrest was retaliation for that of Butina, although Whelan's brother, David, has said he doesn't believe the cases are related.

But before Butina's sentencing Hall, who is no longer with the CIA, said Washington "has to take into account that they do have an American over there, and we have a Russian here."

"So is there not a deal to be had?" he said.

Maria Butina, the only Russian arrested and convicted in the three-year investigation of Moscow's interference in US politics, was sentenced on Friday to 18 months in prison.

Maria Butina, the only Russian arrested and convicted in the three-year investigation of Moscow's interference in US politics, was sentenced on Friday to 18 months in prison. The leader of a small Russian gun rights group, the 30-year-old Siberian native used her ties to the National Rifle Association to build a network of powerful Republican contacts. She had admitted one count of conspiracy to act as an agent of a foreign government without registering -- a so-called "espionage-lite" charge the US has used before against alleged Russian spies. Prosecutors said that although she worked openly and was not tied to any Russian intelligence agency, she was sending back reports to a high-level Russian government official and posed a threat to the United States. "I humbly request forgiveness. I'm not this evil person depicted in the media," she told the court in Washington before her sentence was announced. Dressed in a dark blue pajama-like prison uniform, her long red hair pulled behind her shoulders, Butina's voice broke as she addressed the court in fluent, Russian-accented English. She told the court she had only wanted to work towards better US-Russian relations and would have registered as a foreign agent if she had known it was required by law. Top Republicans Moscow expressed outrage over the treatment of Butina, who was given credit for nine months already served and will be deported when she is released. "The accusations brought against her, intended to influence the internal political process in the United States, are totally invented and fabricated," Russia's foreign ministry said in a statement. "Our compatriot was condemned just because she is a Russian citizen," it added. On the sidelines of a summit in Beijing, Russian President Vladimir Putin called the conviction "arbitrary". "There is nothing we could accuse her of, but to make this case not look completely ridiculous, she was sentenced to 18 months in prison," he said. Butina's case played out against a backdrop of tension between Moscow and Washington over what US intelligence says was a concerted effort by Russian spies to interfere in the 2016 presidential election, using hacking and social media manipulation to help President Donald Trump to victory. Special Counsel Robert Mueller charged 25 Russians with conspiracy for those activities, but, with all of them believed to be in Russia, none have been arrested. US prosecutors acknowledged that Butina had nothing to do with those cases but alleged that she was part of a "spot-and-assess" operation to identify potential recruits. A gun rights campaigner who attended NRA events and invited top gun lobby officials to Russia, she lived as a graduate student in Washington with her boyfriend, a Republican and NRA activist. Her activities brought her in contact with top Republicans, including Trump at a rally in 2015, where she was chosen to ask the then-candidate about US-Russian relations. Updates to Russia Butina sent regular updates to her handler Alexander Torshin, at the time a senior Kremlin politician and central bank deputy governor who had accompanied her to NRA conventions. "There is no doubt that she was not simply a graduate student," Assistant US Attorney Erik Kenerson told the court. "She was simultaneously trying to make contacts... for the benefit of the Russian Federation." Steven Hall, the CIA's former chief of Russian operations, said her operating in the open was simply an innovative tactic in Putin's "broader hybrid-warfare influence operation." "She's part of the Kremlin's plan to try to weaken the United States and the West," he said. Butina's lawyer Robert Driscoll, a prominent Republican attorney, said she had broken no law besides the registration statute, and would not have been pursued had she been of a different nationality. It remained to be seen whether Butina's sentencing would impact the case of Paul Whelan, an American corporate security expert arrested while in Moscow for a wedding late last year and accused of espionage. Some Russian experts said his arrest was retaliation for that of Butina, although Whelan's brother, David, has said he doesn't believe the cases are related. But before Butina's sentencing Hall, who is no longer with the CIA, said Washington "has to take into account that they do have an American over there, and we have a Russian here." "So is there not a deal to be had?" he said.

Russia expresses outrage over Maria Butina conviction; Putin says its 'arbitrary'

Maria Butina, the only <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-judge-delays-sentencing-of-russian-agent-butina-199942">Russian arrested and convicted</a> in the three-year investigation of Moscow's interference in US politics, was sentenced to 18 months in prison on Friday.

The leader of a small Russian gun rights group, Butina used her ties to the NRA firearms lobby to build a network of powerful Republican contacts.

"I humbly request forgiveness. I'm not this evil person depicted in the media," she told the court in Washington before she was sent down.

Butina was given the full term requested by prosecutors, however, after previously admitting one count of conspiracy to act as an agent of a foreign government without registering.&nbsp;

The 30-year-old faces another nine months in custody, having already served half her term.&nbsp;

Prosecutors said that although she worked openly and was not tied to any Russian intelligence agency, she was nevertheless a threat to the United States.

"I wanted a future here in international policy," she said, voice breaking. She added that she only wanted to work towards better US-Russian relations.

"If I had known to register as a foreign agent I would have done so," she told the court.

Maria Butina, the only Russian arrested and convicted in the three-year investigation of Moscow's interference in US politics, was sentenced to 18 months in prison on Friday.

Maria Butina, the only Russian arrested and convicted in the three-year investigation of Moscow's interference in US politics, was sentenced to 18 months in prison on Friday. The leader of a small Russian gun rights group, Butina used her ties to the NRA firearms lobby to build a network of powerful Republican contacts. "I humbly request forgiveness. I'm not this evil person depicted in the media," she told the court in Washington before she was sent down. Butina was given the full term requested by prosecutors, however, after previously admitting one count of conspiracy to act as an agent of a foreign government without registering. The 30-year-old faces another nine months in custody, having already served half her term. Prosecutors said that although she worked openly and was not tied to any Russian intelligence agency, she was nevertheless a threat to the United States. "I wanted a future here in international policy," she said, voice breaking. She added that she only wanted to work towards better US-Russian relations. "If I had known to register as a foreign agent I would have done so," she told the court.

Russian agent Maria Butina sentenced to 18 months in prison

A federal judge on Tuesday agreed to delay the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-senate-inquiry-to-probe-russian-agents-meetings-with-treasury-fed-197701">sentencing of Maria Butina</a>, who has admitted to working as a Russian agent to infiltrate a gun rights group and make inroads with US conservative activists and Republicans, at the request of a prosecutor who cited her ongoing cooperation.

Butina, 30, has been in custody since her arrest in July. She pleaded guilty in December to one count of conspiring to act as a foreign agent for Russia.

Robert Driscoll, Butina's attorney, told US District Judge Tanya Chutkan in court on Tuesday his client is ready to be sentenced.

"From our perspective, we're ready to go," Driscoll said.

Erik Kenerson, the lead prosecutor, said the prosecution still needs Butina's cooperation in its ongoing probe, but did not elaborate.

Chutkan said she is sensitive to the defence's concerns, but agreed to postpone sentencing and hold a status hearing on March 28.

"Ms Butina has been detained for a substantial portion of what she would likely face," Chutkan said. But, the judge added that "her cooperation continues to be needed by the government."

The group Butina admitted to trying to infiltrate is the National Rifle Association, which has close ties to Republicans including President Donald Trump.

The prosecution has indicated the involvement of others in the Butina case.

Paul Erickson, a conservative US political activist with deep Republican ties who was romantically linked to Butina, was referred in court records in the case as "Person 1." Those records stated that "Person 1" helped advise Butina on which American politicians she should target for meetings.

Erickson is well-known in Republican circles and previously served as a senior official in Pat Buchanan's 1992 presidential campaign.

Federal prosecutors in South Dakota this month said Erickson was indicted on 11 counts of wire fraud and money laundering in charges unrelated to those brought against Butina. But Erickson's indictment did appear to make a reference to Butina when it said he made a payment of $8,000 to an "MB" in June 2015 and another payment to "MB" in March 2017.

The indictment said Erickson paid about $20,000 in June 2017 to American University in Washington, the school from which Butina obtained her master's degree.

William Hurd, an attorney for Erickson, declined to comment when asked about the prosecution's request to delay sentencing for Butina.

Alexander Torshin, who was a deputy governor of Russia's central bank and employed Butina as a translator and assistant, has been identified by her lawyers as a Russian official cited in court records. Torshin was hit with US Treasury Department sanctions in April, but has not been charged in this case.

A federal judge on Tuesday agreed to delay the sentencing of Maria Butina, who has admitted to working as a Russian agent to infiltrate a gun rights group and make inroads with US conservative activists and Republicans, at the request of a prosecutor who cited her ongoing cooperation.

A federal judge on Tuesday agreed to delay the sentencing of Maria Butina, who has admitted to working as a Russian agent to infiltrate a gun rights group and make inroads with US conservative activists and Republicans, at the request of a prosecutor who cited her ongoing cooperation. Butina, 30, has been in custody since her arrest in July. She pleaded guilty in December to one count of conspiring to act as a foreign agent for Russia. Robert Driscoll, Butina's attorney, told US District Judge Tanya Chutkan in court on Tuesday his client is ready to be sentenced. "From our perspective, we're ready to go," Driscoll said. Erik Kenerson, the lead prosecutor, said the prosecution still needs Butina's cooperation in its ongoing probe, but did not elaborate. Chutkan said she is sensitive to the defence's concerns, but agreed to postpone sentencing and hold a status hearing on March 28. "Ms Butina has been detained for a substantial portion of what she would likely face," Chutkan said. But, the judge added that "her cooperation continues to be needed by the government." The group Butina admitted to trying to infiltrate is the National Rifle Association, which has close ties to Republicans including President Donald Trump. The prosecution has indicated the involvement of others in the Butina case. Paul Erickson, a conservative US political activist with deep Republican ties who was romantically linked to Butina, was referred in court records in the case as "Person 1." Those records stated that "Person 1" helped advise Butina on which American politicians she should target for meetings. Erickson is well-known in Republican circles and previously served as a senior official in Pat Buchanan's 1992 presidential campaign. Federal prosecutors in South Dakota this month said Erickson was indicted on 11 counts of wire fraud and money laundering in charges unrelated to those brought against Butina. But Erickson's indictment did appear to make a reference to Butina when it said he made a payment of $8,000 to an "MB" in June 2015 and another payment to "MB" in March 2017. The indictment said Erickson paid about $20,000 in June 2017 to American University in Washington, the school from which Butina obtained her master's degree. William Hurd, an attorney for Erickson, declined to comment when asked about the prosecution's request to delay sentencing for Butina. Alexander Torshin, who was a deputy governor of Russia's central bank and employed Butina as a translator and assistant, has been identified by her lawyers as a Russian official cited in court records. Torshin was hit with US Treasury Department sanctions in April, but has not been charged in this case.

US judge delays sentencing of Russian agent Butina

The US Senate Finance Committee has launched an inquiry into meetings in 2015 between top Obama administration officials, a Russian central banker and Maria Butina, who has pleaded guilty to conspiring to work as a Russian agent to influence American foreign policy.

The bipartisan inquiry, announced jointly by the panel's Chairman Charles Grassley and ranking Democrat Ron Wyden, was sparked by an exclusive Reuters article from July.

That report revealed details about previously unreported meetings in 2015 set up by the Centre for the National Interest, a Washington foreign policy think tank that is supportive of efforts to improve US-Russia relations.

In two separate meetings, Butina, a former graduate student who advocated for gun rights, and Russian Central Bank deputy governor Alexander Torshin together met Stanley Fischer, then Federal Reserve vice chairman, and Nathan Sheets, then Treasury undersecretary for international affairs.

The meetings were documented in a Centre for the National Interest report seen by Reuters which discussed arranging the meetings to bring together "leading figures from the financial institutions of the United States and Russia."

Torshin was sanctioned last April by the Treasury Department, and he is referenced in court records as an unindicted co-conspirator who worked with Butina to infiltrate the National Rifle Association (NRA) and make inroads in conservative political circles to help benefit Russia.

A spokeswoman for the Russian central bank has previously said that Torshin declines to comment on the subject.

The Senate panel earlier this week sent letters to Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin, Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell and the Centre for the National Interest's Russian-born CEO, Dimitri Simes, seeking additional information about meetings with top Russian government officials.

"A critical issue facing the Committee and the country is the extent to which the Russian government engaged in efforts designed to undermine our political system and governmental policy through obfuscation and manipulation," Grassley and Wyden wrote in their letters.

A Federal Reserve spokesman confirmed receiving the letter and said the Fed intends to respond.

Spokespeople for the Treasury Department and the think tank did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Butina's attorney could not be immediately reached.

In July, Fischer told Reuters he recalled having one meeting with Torshin and his interpreter about the Russian economy and said Torshin also mentioned plans to attend an NRA convention.

Sheets previously declined to comment and a spokesman for him did not have any immediate comment on Friday.

Paul Saunders, the Centre for the National Interest's executive director, previously told Reuters it was unaware of any inappropriate conduct or connections to Russian intelligence services involving Butina and Torshin.

In their letters, Grassley and Wyden said they are asking the think tank for records related to meetings it organised.

"It is concerning that Ms Butina and Mr Torshin were able to gain access to high-level administration officials responsible for US economic and monetary policy to reportedly discuss US Russian economic relations," the lawmakers wrote.

Butina, who is cooperating with prosecutors, is slated to appear in court later this month for a status conference.

The US Senate Finance Committee has launched an inquiry into meetings in 2015 between top Obama administration officials, a Russian central banker and Maria Butina, who has pleaded guilty to conspiring to work as a Russian agent to influence American foreign policy.

The US Senate Finance Committee has launched an inquiry into meetings in 2015 between top Obama administration officials, a Russian central banker and Maria Butina, who has pleaded guilty to conspiring to work as a Russian agent to influence American foreign policy. The bipartisan inquiry, announced jointly by the panel's Chairman Charles Grassley and ranking Democrat Ron Wyden, was sparked by an exclusive Reuters article from July. That report revealed details about previously unreported meetings in 2015 set up by the Centre for the National Interest, a Washington foreign policy think tank that is supportive of efforts to improve US-Russia relations. In two separate meetings, Butina, a former graduate student who advocated for gun rights, and Russian Central Bank deputy governor Alexander Torshin together met Stanley Fischer, then Federal Reserve vice chairman, and Nathan Sheets, then Treasury undersecretary for international affairs. The meetings were documented in a Centre for the National Interest report seen by Reuters which discussed arranging the meetings to bring together "leading figures from the financial institutions of the United States and Russia." Torshin was sanctioned last April by the Treasury Department, and he is referenced in court records as an unindicted co-conspirator who worked with Butina to infiltrate the National Rifle Association (NRA) and make inroads in conservative political circles to help benefit Russia. A spokeswoman for the Russian central bank has previously said that Torshin declines to comment on the subject. The Senate panel earlier this week sent letters to Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin, Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell and the Centre for the National Interest's Russian-born CEO, Dimitri Simes, seeking additional information about meetings with top Russian government officials. "A critical issue facing the Committee and the country is the extent to which the Russian government engaged in efforts designed to undermine our political system and governmental policy through obfuscation and manipulation," Grassley and Wyden wrote in their letters. A Federal Reserve spokesman confirmed receiving the letter and said the Fed intends to respond. Spokespeople for the Treasury Department and the think tank did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Butina's attorney could not be immediately reached. In July, Fischer told Reuters he recalled having one meeting with Torshin and his interpreter about the Russian economy and said Torshin also mentioned plans to attend an NRA convention. Sheets previously declined to comment and a spokesman for him did not have any immediate comment on Friday. Paul Saunders, the Centre for the National Interest's executive director, previously told Reuters it was unaware of any inappropriate conduct or connections to Russian intelligence services involving Butina and Torshin. In their letters, Grassley and Wyden said they are asking the think tank for records related to meetings it organised. "It is concerning that Ms Butina and Mr Torshin were able to gain access to high-level administration officials responsible for US economic and monetary policy to reportedly discuss US Russian economic relations," the lawmakers wrote. Butina, who is cooperating with prosecutors, is slated to appear in court later this month for a status conference.

US Senate inquiry to probe Russian agent's meetings with Treasury, Fed

Kremlin on Friday held the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/accused-russian-agent-maria-butina-pleads-guilty-in-us-to-conspiracy-183856">accusations made by Maria Butina</a>, the first Russian to be convicted of working to influence US policy during the 2016 presidential race&nbsp;as "absolutely unfounded".

"We consider the accusations against her as absolutely unfounded," presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov said.

Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said he had "reasons to believe" the Russian had been kept in conditions designed to break her will and lead her to enter a false guilty plea.

"As far as I understand, this plea bargain -- the likes of which are common in the US -- is part of a deal to get free and return home as soon as possible," Lavrov said in comments reported by agencies.

Butina on Thursday pleaded guilty in a US court to a single conspiracy charge in a deal with prosecutors and admitted to working with a top Russian official to infiltrate a powerful gun-rights group.

She also admitted to&nbsp;influencing US policy towards&nbsp;Moscow and making inroads with American conservative activists and the Republican Party as an agent for Moscow.

Butina, a Russian former graduate student at American University in Washington admitted to the accusations&nbsp;at a court hearing in Washington before US District Judge Tanya Chutkan on Thursday.

Prosecutors said she launched a plan in 2015 to develop ties with the Republican Party with the aim of influencing US foreign policy.

The plot was allegedly guided and financed in part by Alexander Torshin, an ally of President Vladimir Putin who was deputy governor of the Russian central bank until his retirement on November 30.

Butina was charged by prosecutors in July with acting as an agent of Russia's government and conspiracy to take actions on behalf of Moscow. She had earlier pleaded not guilty before changing her plea during Thursday's hearing.

Prosecutors accused Butina, who was jailed awaiting trial, of working with a Russian official and two US citizens to try to infiltrate the National Rifle Association, a group closely aligned with Republican politicians including Republican President Donald Trump, and sway Washington's policy toward Moscow.

(With inputs from agencies)

Kremlin on Friday held the accusations made by Maria Butina, the first Russian to be convicted of working to influence US policy during the 2016 presidential race as "absolutely unfounded".

Kremlin on Friday held the accusations made by Maria Butina, the first Russian to be convicted of working to influence US policy during the 2016 presidential race as "absolutely unfounded". "We consider the accusations against her as absolutely unfounded," presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov said. Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said he had "reasons to believe" the Russian had been kept in conditions designed to break her will and lead her to enter a false guilty plea. "As far as I understand, this plea bargain -- the likes of which are common in the US -- is part of a deal to get free and return home as soon as possible," Lavrov said in comments reported by agencies. Butina on Thursday pleaded guilty in a US court to a single conspiracy charge in a deal with prosecutors and admitted to working with a top Russian official to infiltrate a powerful gun-rights group. She also admitted to influencing US policy towards Moscow and making inroads with American conservative activists and the Republican Party as an agent for Moscow. Butina, a Russian former graduate student at American University in Washington admitted to the accusations at a court hearing in Washington before US District Judge Tanya Chutkan on Thursday. Prosecutors said she launched a plan in 2015 to develop ties with the Republican Party with the aim of influencing US foreign policy. The plot was allegedly guided and financed in part by Alexander Torshin, an ally of President Vladimir Putin who was deputy governor of the Russian central bank until his retirement on November 30. Butina was charged by prosecutors in July with acting as an agent of Russia's government and conspiracy to take actions on behalf of Moscow. She had earlier pleaded not guilty before changing her plea during Thursday's hearing. Prosecutors accused Butina, who was jailed awaiting trial, of working with a Russian official and two US citizens to try to infiltrate the National Rifle Association, a group closely aligned with Republican politicians including Republican President Donald Trump, and sway Washington's policy toward Moscow. (With inputs from agencies)

US accusations against Russian Butina 'absolutely unfounded': Kremlin

A woman accused of acting as a Russian agent to infiltrate a powerful gun lobby group and influence US policy toward Moscow pleaded guilty to a single count of conspiracy in federal court on Thursday in a deal with prosecutors that could give them insight into Russian meddling in American politics.

Maria Butina, a Russian former graduate student at American University in Washington who publicly advocated for gun rights, entered the plea at a court hearing in Washington before US District Judge Tanya Chutkan. She also agreed to cooperate with prosecutors.

Clad in a green jumpsuit with her red hair pulled back in a long braid, Butina replied "absolutely" when asked by Chutkan if her mind was clear as she prepared to enter her plea of guilty.

Butina was charged by prosecutors in July with acting as an agent of Russia's government and conspiracy to take actions on behalf of Moscow. She had earlier pleaded not guilty before changing her plea during Thursday's hearing.

Prosecutors accused Butina, who was jailed awaiting trial, of working with a Russian official and two US citizens to try to infiltrate the National Rifle Association, a group closely aligned with Republican politicians including Republican President Donald Trump, and sway Washington's policy toward Moscow.

Although there are no sentencing guidelines for her specific crime, her lawyer, Robert Driscoll, estimated that under US sentencing guidelines for similar crimes she could face up to six months in prison. Butina also faces the possibility of deportation to Russia after she finishes whatever sentence she is given.

As part of Butina's ongoing cooperation in the case, the judge did not set a sentencing date. A status hearing was scheduled for February 12.

In the statement of offense read aloud in court, one of the prosecutors said Butina had drafted a March 2015 "Diplomacy Project" that called for establishing unofficial back channels of communication between high-ranking American politicians to help benefit Russia.

As part of that plan, she acknowledged that she conspired with two Americans and a Russian official.

Butina's lawyers previously identified the Russian official as Alexander Torshin, a deputy governor of Russia's central bank who was targeted with US Treasury Department sanctions in April.

One of the two Americans referenced in the prosecution's criminal complaint was Paul Erickson, a conservative US political activist who was dating Butina.

Neither his name, nor the Russian official's name, were explicitly made in the statement of offense, though Erickson's description appears to match that of Person 1 mentioned in the statement of offense read in court.

That statement said Person 1 helped advise Butina which American politicians she should target for meetings, and her plan was carried out on behalf of the Russian official.

'CIRCUMSTANCES WERE FAVORABLE'

"Butina opined that the circumstances were favorable for building relations with a certain US political party," the statement added, in an apparent reference to the Republican Party. "Butina predicted that the candidate nominated by Political Party #1 would likely win the upcoming US presidential election."

The "Diplomacy Project" document was crafted by Butina with help from Person 1, prosecutors said. To carry out the plan, Butina requested $125,000 from a Russian billionaire to attend conferences and set up "separate meetings with interested parties" such as other Russian businessmen or people with the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, they said.

In April 2015, Butina travelled to the United States to attend a gun rights event, the description of which appears to match that of the NRA's annual meeting, prosecutors said. At that event, she was "introduced to influential members of Political Party #1," they added.

An attorney for Erickson could not be immediately reached for comment.

After she was charged, Russia labeled the case against Butina "fabricated" and called for her release. Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke about Butina on Tuesday in Moscow, a day after US court filings indicated she would plea guilty in Washington.

"She risks 15 years in jail. For what?" Putin asked . "...I asked all the heads of our intelligence services what is going on. Nobody knows anything about her."

The prosecutors in the Butina case are not from the office of Special Counsel Robert Mueller, who is investigating Russia's role in the 2016 US election and whether Trump's campaign conspired with Moscow to help him win.

Nevertheless, Butina becomes with her guilty plea the first Russian citizen to be convicted of working to shape US policy in the time period spanning the 2016 election campaign. Mueller has brought criminal charges against a series of Russian individuals and entities but those cases are still pending.

The prosecution's complaint against Butina did not mention Trump's campaign by name. Reuters previously reported that Butina was a Trump supporter who bragged at Washington parties that she could use her political connections to help people get jobs in his administration.

Butina even asked Trump a question at a gathering of US conservatives in Las Vegas in 2015 when he was running for president, querying him about American relations with Russia and economic sanctions imposed on Moscow by his predecessor, Barack Obama. Trump responded that as president he would "get along very nicely with Putin" and "I don't think you'd need the sanctions."

Trump has denied any collusion with Moscow. Russia has denied interfering in American politics.

A woman accused of acting as a Russian agent to infiltrate a powerful gun lobby group and influence US policy toward Moscow pleaded guilty to a single count of conspiracy in federal court on Thursday in a deal with prosecutors that could give them insight into Russian meddling in American politics.

A woman accused of acting as a Russian agent to infiltrate a powerful gun lobby group and influence US policy toward Moscow pleaded guilty to a single count of conspiracy in federal court on Thursday in a deal with prosecutors that could give them insight into Russian meddling in American politics. Maria Butina, a Russian former graduate student at American University in Washington who publicly advocated for gun rights, entered the plea at a court hearing in Washington before US District Judge Tanya Chutkan. She also agreed to cooperate with prosecutors. Clad in a green jumpsuit with her red hair pulled back in a long braid, Butina replied "absolutely" when asked by Chutkan if her mind was clear as she prepared to enter her plea of guilty. Butina was charged by prosecutors in July with acting as an agent of Russia's government and conspiracy to take actions on behalf of Moscow. She had earlier pleaded not guilty before changing her plea during Thursday's hearing. Prosecutors accused Butina, who was jailed awaiting trial, of working with a Russian official and two US citizens to try to infiltrate the National Rifle Association, a group closely aligned with Republican politicians including Republican President Donald Trump, and sway Washington's policy toward Moscow. Although there are no sentencing guidelines for her specific crime, her lawyer, Robert Driscoll, estimated that under US sentencing guidelines for similar crimes she could face up to six months in prison. Butina also faces the possibility of deportation to Russia after she finishes whatever sentence she is given. As part of Butina's ongoing cooperation in the case, the judge did not set a sentencing date. A status hearing was scheduled for February 12. In the statement of offense read aloud in court, one of the prosecutors said Butina had drafted a March 2015 "Diplomacy Project" that called for establishing unofficial back channels of communication between high-ranking American politicians to help benefit Russia. As part of that plan, she acknowledged that she conspired with two Americans and a Russian official. Butina's lawyers previously identified the Russian official as Alexander Torshin, a deputy governor of Russia's central bank who was targeted with US Treasury Department sanctions in April. One of the two Americans referenced in the prosecution's criminal complaint was Paul Erickson, a conservative US political activist who was dating Butina. Neither his name, nor the Russian official's name, were explicitly made in the statement of offense, though Erickson's description appears to match that of Person 1 mentioned in the statement of offense read in court. That statement said Person 1 helped advise Butina which American politicians she should target for meetings, and her plan was carried out on behalf of the Russian official. 'CIRCUMSTANCES WERE FAVORABLE' "Butina opined that the circumstances were favorable for building relations with a certain US political party," the statement added, in an apparent reference to the Republican Party. "Butina predicted that the candidate nominated by Political Party #1 would likely win the upcoming US presidential election." The "Diplomacy Project" document was crafted by Butina with help from Person 1, prosecutors said. To carry out the plan, Butina requested $125,000 from a Russian billionaire to attend conferences and set up "separate meetings with interested parties" such as other Russian businessmen or people with the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, they said. In April 2015, Butina travelled to the United States to attend a gun rights event, the description of which appears to match that of the NRA's annual meeting, prosecutors said. At that event, she was "introduced to influential members of Political Party #1," they added. An attorney for Erickson could not be immediately reached for comment. After she was charged, Russia labeled the case against Butina "fabricated" and called for her release. Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke about Butina on Tuesday in Moscow, a day after US court filings indicated she would plea guilty in Washington. "She risks 15 years in jail. For what?" Putin asked . "...I asked all the heads of our intelligence services what is going on. Nobody knows anything about her." The prosecutors in the Butina case are not from the office of Special Counsel Robert Mueller, who is investigating Russia's role in the 2016 US election and whether Trump's campaign conspired with Moscow to help him win. Nevertheless, Butina becomes with her guilty plea the first Russian citizen to be convicted of working to shape US policy in the time period spanning the 2016 election campaign. Mueller has brought criminal charges against a series of Russian individuals and entities but those cases are still pending. The prosecution's complaint against Butina did not mention Trump's campaign by name. Reuters previously reported that Butina was a Trump supporter who bragged at Washington parties that she could use her political connections to help people get jobs in his administration. Butina even asked Trump a question at a gathering of US conservatives in Las Vegas in 2015 when he was running for president, querying him about American relations with Russia and economic sanctions imposed on Moscow by his predecessor, Barack Obama. Trump responded that as president he would "get along very nicely with Putin" and "I don't think you'd need the sanctions." Trump has denied any collusion with Moscow. Russia has denied interfering in American politics.

Accused Russian agent Maria Butina pleads guilty in US to conspiracy

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