Accessibility links

Breaking News

Report: U.S. Counterintelligence Probes Flynn’s Russian Contacts


Retired U.S. General Michael Flynn
Retired U.S. General Michael Flynn

The Wall Street Journal reports on January 22 that U.S. counterintelligence agents have investigated communications that President Donald Trump’s national security adviser, Michael Flynn, had with Russian officials.

The Wall Street Journal, citing people familiar with the matter, said it is unclear whether the counterintelligence probe produced any incriminating evidence or whether it is ongoing.

Flynn, a retired three-star general, was sworn in as national security adviser on January 22.

In his position, he will play a key role in helping to set the president's policies toward Russia.

The inquiry was aimed at determining the nature of Flynn’s contacts with Russian officials and whether they may have violated laws, The Wall Street Journal says.

A series of December 29 telephone calls Flynn made to Sergei Kislyak, the Russian ambassador to the United States, is under scrutiny, The Wall Street Journal says.

That was the day the Obama administration announced sanctions against Russia in retaliation for its alleged interference in the 2016 U.S. presidential election through cyberattacks and other means.

Earlier contacts by Flynn with Russian officials were also probed, the report says.

In response, White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders said, "We have absolutely no knowledge of any investigation or even a basis for such an investigation."

With reporting by The Wall Street Journal
  • 16x9 Image

    RFE/RL

    RFE/RL journalists report the news in 27 languages in 23 countries where a free press is banned by the government or not fully established. We provide what many people cannot get locally: uncensored news, responsible discussion, and open debate.

RFE/RL has been declared an "undesirable organization" by the Russian government.

If you are in Russia or the Russia-controlled parts of Ukraine and hold a Russian passport or are a stateless person residing permanently in Russia or the Russia-controlled parts of Ukraine, please note that you could face fines or imprisonment for sharing, liking, commenting on, or saving our content, or for contacting us.

To find out more, click here.

XS
SM
MD
LG