(CNN) President Donald Trump will attend the National Prayer Breakfast Thursday, a prime networking opportunity for Beltway insiders. But this year's event is also an opportunity for dozens of Russians. As many as 60 representatives from Russia's religious and political elite are expected to attend, more than three times last year's number, according to Russian officials. Added Zharkov, "It is a sin not to use any platform possible for negotiations between different layers of society." Two Russian officials said a "Russia house" -- a space to hold informal meetings -- would be organized at the event.

Source: CNN February 07, 2018 18:05 UTC