This statement is on it's face misleading. Columbus Nova, at least until Renova was sanctioned on April 6, was listed as a subsidiary on their website. Vekselberg is cited throughout filings they've provided to SEC for various transactions.
If Columbus Nova is solely owned and controlled by Americans NOW, that's because Renova and Vekselberg were sanctioned on April 6. US companies have to break ties with sanctioned firms. But at the time of the payments to Cohen, Columbus Nova was listed as a Renova subsidiary. 
I asked Columbus Nova's attorney if it was solely owned by Americans when it was paying Cohen. And whether Cohen performed the "business consulting" work, such as recommending real estate investments, they claim he was paid for. Haven't heard back.
