That's Mueller's argument. Defendant hasn't been properly served.
-- Then this representative comes forward and asks for information, but declines to accept the notice also. --
That part about refusing to be served is new to me, and I don't know it is accurate. Might be, and it would not be really odd, usually, to refuse service. This case is unusual though, and if the Russians want to screw with Mueller, they appear and go to trial.
My impression is defendant appeared, and expressed "even though we haven't been properly served, we are here to take our lickin'" (or to defend our honor).
At that point, Mueller insists on proper service, which means going through the international legal channels. He'll be begging Putin to not serve the defendant. Russian collusion!!
LOL more Russia Collusion! It just seemed odd to me, that a legal representative could show up in court, and then decline service, but that was what I thought the article was saying.