Thread by @dnvolz

This affidavit unsealed today against Russian national Mariia Butina is incredible. This Twitter DM she sent to a Russian official discusses how one political party, apparently the GOP, is "for us" while the other, Democrats, is "against" us.

"Our move here is very important."

Right after Trump won, Butina told the Russian official: "I'm going to sleep. It's 3 am here. I am ready for further orders."

Russian official replied: "Think about in which areas of life we could go towards bringing us closer. ISIS ... we need to look at the American agenda."

!!

A month before the election Butina discussed with the Russian official she should volunteer to serve as a U.S. election observer.

The Russian official said "the risk of provocation is too high..."

Butina: "Only incognito! Right now everything has to be quiet and careful."

Democratic Senator Wyden statement on Butina developments: "Today’s news means Republicans can no longer ignore what has been in front of them for months: Russia used the NRA to infiltrate and influence US politics."

Butina and Russian official spoke at length about attending Feb. 2017 National Prayer Breakfast in DC. Afterwards, Butina emailed a breakfast organizer to say thanks and "A new relationship between two countries always begins better when it begins in faith."

Butina continued, telling the National Prayer Breakfast organizer: Once you have a chance to rest after last week's events, I have important information for you to further this new relationship (with Russia)."

Days after Trump's win Butina discussed who the next sec'y of state might be w/ Russian official (Alex Torshin). Torshin did not want to discuss over phone b/c "all our phones are being listened to!"

Butina asked Torshin to find out how "our people" felt about a potential pick