This article, from the New York Times, reports that evidence of collaboration between the Russian lawyer, Veselnitskaya, and high ranking Russian officials has surfaced. Ms. Veselnitskaya met with Donald Trump Jr., Jared Kushner, and Paul Manafort last year at the Trump Tower, and the meeting was the subject of some scandal (more can be read about that here). However, Veselnitskaya has claimed to be an independent actor, which helped to undercut talks of collusion. That is until now.

Evidence shows Ms. Veselnitskaya may have been collaborating with Russian prosecutor general, Yuri Chaika. The talking points which Ms. Veselnitskaya brought to the meeting incorporate language from a memo Mr. Chaika had given to an American Congressman two months earlier, and there is evidence that Veselnitskaya had discussed her meeting with Chaika in the months proceeding it. Additionally, Veselnitskaya has a history of collaboration with Chaika.

If it can be established that Ms. Veselnitskaya was, in fact, an agent for the Russian government, then the allegations of Russian collusion will be strengthened. Though she did not meet with the President himself, she met with his family and advisors, and so the talk could be characterized as a meeting of agents.

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