[DBrow]

There are people other than Putin who may be interested in this sort of activity.

Suppose one nation wanted the US to break ties with Russia?

Suppose an entity had been involved with a Russian smuggling group?

Suppose someone whose motives we don't trust is running an op to make Russia look bad? Chavez, Castro, Kim il Jong, Steve Harper (just kidding)?

[Dr. Frank fan]

There are people other than Putin who may be interested in this sort of activity. Suppose one nation wanted the US to break ties with Russia? Suppose an entity had been involved with a Russian smuggling group? Suppose someone whose motives we don't trust is running an op to make Russia look bad? Chavez, Castro, Kim il Jong, Steve Harper (just kidding)?

Such theories make perfect sense, provided one ignores Occam's Razor.

[baubau]

"Suppose someone whose motives we don't trust is running an op to make Russia look bad? Chavez, Castro, Kim il Jong, Steve Harper (just kidding)?

Bullseye!

Except the one you name are not the ones who want to see Mother Russia hurt.

I'm amazed most people refuse to get it.