I understand your explanation (of US intel making it look like Russian ops did this...)But...
Were I a knowingly, policy/grant driven, pointy headed academic...and I thought that KGB types were ‘questioning’ my motivations/theories, I dare say I would feel threatend (and not just careerwise).
If this wasn’t just an honest ‘whistleblower’ then everything changes for the players in this. Criminal charges would almost be comforting.
Are you saying these professors had a prior relationship with the KGB — which went sour, and now the KGB is exacting revenge?
The professors would then know prison was a safer place than being on the street?