The New York Times? Really?
They were just reporting what some group in Russia uncovered: a pro-Putin internet troll facility. Not sure what their motives were/are for reporting it. Perhaps they thought they were somehow protecting Obama, because in reality Russia couldn't have a better friend than Obama. He is more or less paving the way for them to retake Eastern Europe and expand into the Middle East. He 'acts' like he's all concerned about it, while his actions prove otherwise. The missile defense and nuke deals he's made with them benefit them and their expansionist agenda significantly.