Russian President Vladimir Putin unexpectedly did not retaliate against the U.S. for the move, a decision Trump quickly praised. More broadly, Flynn's contact with the Russian ambassador suggests the incoming administration has already begun to lay the groundwork for its promised, new closer relationship with Moscow. During a news conference Wednesday, Trump pointedly would not say whether he planned to repeal the sanctions ordered by Obama. As national security adviser, Flynn will work in the West Wing close to the Oval Office and have frequent access to Trump. U.S. monitoring of Russian officials' communication within the United States is known to be common.

Source: Economic Times January 13, 2017 22:22 UTC