Repeated attempts to reach Ms. McFarland, who left her post as deputy national security adviser in May, were unsuccessful. Mr. Flynn talked to Mr. Kislyak by phone on Dec. 29, the day the sanctions took effect, and several days later. Court documents state that Mr. Flynn discussed what he should tell Mr. Kislyak with another transition official beforehand and briefed that person afterward. During their follow-up call, Mr. Kislyak informed Mr. Flynn that Russia would not retaliate immediately for the sanctions — a surprise to many foreign policy experts. Mr. Flynn then briefed senior transition team members about his discussions with Mr. Kislyak, the records show.

Source: New York Times December 04, 2017 22:23 UTC