I don’t think Flynn broke any laws in his conversation with the Russian ambassador. I do believe the subject of sanctions was touched upon, again not an illegal act. I don’t believe he colluded in any way to aid the alleged Russian interference in the election.But I also believe he told VPPence that the subject of sanctions was not mentioned and that was the lie that indicted him in the view of the Trump administration and led to his firing.
Curiously we never did hear exactly what question Pence asked Flynn and whether Flynn, in deciding what to reveal, considered his “eyes only” boss to be Trump.....or Pence as co equal
Flynn was less than 4 weeks away from being the President’s National security advisor and should have had discretion to assure or reassure or discuss the future direction of US policy toward Russia with their Ambassador, especially after Obama’s specious and ridiculous jiggered “sanctions” stripping Russia of property it OWNS in the US for weekend retreats, and 72 hour notice holiday week expulsions of 35 diplomatic staff and their families - ALL on the pretense of Russia “hacking” the US election (remember that?)
Perhaps the Russian ambassador’s discussion with Flynn played a role in having Putin making no retaliation against US diplomats in Russia, who continued to enjoy their holiday parties at their embassy dascha retreat and to have their children educated in a special embassy school Putin reportedly considered closing -but did not
Or perhaps Flynn should have simply said “Tell Vlad we’ll have more flexibility after the inauguration”