Prosecutors wrote that Butina was not a traditional spy or "trained intelligence officer," but sought to help Russia at the expense of US national security. "Had she successfully done so, the risks to the United States would have included harm to this country's political processes, internal government dealings, and US foreign policy interests," the prosecutors wrote. "Maria Butina is a devoted daughter, genuine idealist, and compassionate civil activist," her defense attorneys wrote in their sentencing memo Friday night. The relationship she had with Torshin "triggered" her need to notify the Justice Department of her actions working for Russians, her lawyers wrote. Nor did anyone else instruct her to do so," her defense lawyers wrote.

Source: CNN April 20, 2019 00:55 UTC