In 1997, Putin and FSB were already known to quietly calling the shots from behind Yeltsin.
The efforts at RIA Novosti in those specific offices were identifying, confirming and tracking/monitoring both CIS and foreign expat communications and interaction globally, and to develope and execute global “influence strategies”.
Same as China, and “Menlo Park” has been, and it is highly politically motivated.
There is actually much more than what is being shared here.
“...and Menlo Park HAVE been,”