Thread by @rgoodlaw

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Here's @AshaRangappa_ and my deep dive into Senator @RonJohnsonWI's Monday letter and, more generally, his Ukraine-related investigations.

"How Sen. Ron Johnson’s Investigation Became an Enabler of Russian Disinformation"

#Disinformation
justsecurity.org/71947/how-sen-…

2. Two highlights:

First, Johnson's 11-page letter itself contains apparent products of Russian disinformation. He should know by now.

Second, there are apparently three channels of Russian disinformation to Johnson.👇

3. It's a marvel to examine Sen Johnson's shifting/contradictory denials.

His spokesperson told @NatashaBertrand @AndrewDesiderio @kyledcheney: Senator"never received nor would we ever collect information from this individual [Andrii Derkach] or individuals like him"

But then…

4. It was clear Johnson PERSONALLY met with Andrii Telizhenko (who the FBI warned Johnson is a conduit for Russian disinformation). Johnson staff reportedly met with Telizhenko for over 5 hours and worked with Telizhenko FOR MONTHS.

So ... Johnson then appeared to admit ...

5. Johnson and Grassley spokespersons then appeared to admit to @ChristopherJM and try to justify use of information from Telizhenko AND OTHER UKRAINIANS.

buzzfeednews.com/article/christ…

6. Then there's Johnson's highly elusive answers.

In Aug. 2 interview with local news:

Johnson first dodged direct question whether he received info from Russian-linked Ukrainians.

He then conceded "variety of sources"

@HeidiNBC has the rundown:

https://twitter.com/HeidiNBC/status/1290006014117412864

7. Then there's Senator Johnson's contradictory denials.

Hat tip: @nycsouthpaw

https://twitter.com/nycsouthpaw/status/1292178711257784322

8/8 Finally, Johnson now admits to taking info from one of the Russia-linked Ukrainian operatives (Telizhenko), but denies getting info directly from two other operatives (Telizhenko's reported collaborators).

@AshaRangappa_ and I explain why that defense, even if true, FAILS.👇