Syria war: Who are Russia's shadowy Wagner mercenaries? Russian mercenaries are reported to be in the thick of the fighting in Syria, helping President Bashar al-Assad's forces. http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-43167697
Russia's anti-U.S. aggression takes a deadly turn A new report says U.S. intelligence officials have evidence that a Russian oligarch close to Vladimir Putin coordinated a Russian mercenary attack on U.S. troops in Syria this month. The report also says the Kremlin knew about and likely approved the attack. If so, this is a real act of war and President Trump must respond soon. https://www.cnbc.com/2018/02/23/trump-must-respond-to-deadly-russian-aggression-commentary.html
Mueller probe: Manafort hit with new charges after Gates pleads guilty WASHINGTON — Former Trump campaign chief Paul Manafort was hit with new charges on Friday, including an allegation he secretly recruited and funded a group of former European politicians to lobby in the United States on behalf of Ukraine. The superseding indictment was filed just a couple of hours after Manafort's business partner, former campaign aide Rick Gates, pleaded guilty to conspiracy and to lying to investigators — even while he was negotiating a deal with Mueller. Gates is now the third associate of President Donald Trump to strike a cooperation agreement with Mueller, who is investigating Russian meddling in the 2016 election and possible ties to the campaign. The agreement, which requires Gates to cooperate on "all matters" prosecutors deem relevant, appears to be a good deal for both sides. Gates could get as little as probation if he keeps up his end of the bargain, and Mueller's case from Manafort morphs from one built on paper evidence to one where the star witness worked hand-in-hand with the defendant. [...] https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/former-trump-campaign-aide-rick-gates-set-plead-guilty-n849256
NRA, Russia and Trump: How 'dark money' is poisoning American democracy The FBI is investigating the National Rifle Association to determine whether Russians illegally funneled money through the organization to help the Trump campaign. Beyond Russian meddling, this allegation illustrates a problem of even broader scope in our political system. 15 Feb 2018 https://www.cnbc.com/2018/02/15/nra-russia-and-trump-money-laundering-poisoning-us-democracy-commentary.html