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 following direct messages on Twitter:

"BUTINA: Time will tell. We made our bet. I am following our game. I will be connecting the people from the prayer breakfast to this group. Most importantly, you get better. Everything else we will win.

RUSSIAN OFFICIAL: No doubt! Of course we will win, but I (you are right) need to beat the illness first and get out of the hospital (I made an attempt today—it didn't work). And it is not about winning today's fight (although we are striving for it) but to win the entire battle. This is the battle for the future, it cannot be lost! Or everyone will lose.

BUTINA: True! But don't try to get out right now: the doctors ordered you to stay for a reason. Better finish the treatment. Please do not risk it. You have a key role and you know it. I will not manage without you.

RUSSIAN OFFICIAL: No! This is a mistake. Your political star has risen in the sky. Now it is important to rise to the zenith and not burn out (fall) prematurely.

BUTINA: Oh well. I am just starting in this ﬁeld. I still have to learn and learn from you! These are not just words! Harsh and impetuous moves will ruin everything early.

RUSSIAN OFFICIAL: This is hard to teach. Patience and cold blood + faith in yourself. And everything will definitely turn out.



BUTINA: By your recommendation, I am setting up the groundwork here but I am really in need of mentoring. Or the energy might to towards the wrong direction. Yesterday's dinner showed that American society is broken in relation to Russia. This is now the dividing line of opinions, the crucial one in the election race. [POLITICAL PARTY 1] are for us, [another major US. political party]—against—50/50. Our move here is very important." [sic]"

33. During the October 5, 2016 Twitter direct communications, BUTINA and the RUSSIAN OFFICIAL also discussed other potential steps to take in the operation. The RUSSIAN OFFICIAL asked about how the "Russia-USA friendship society" looked at that time. BUTINA responded, "It's not alive. We are currently 'underground' both here and there. Now, private clubs and quite [sic] influence on people making decisions is the trend. No publicity." She