We get Whelan and they get the Trump family.

I heard on NPR they think the spy we have is highly valuable to go to all this trouble. She had a role of canvassing who could be solicited to be a Russian spy on US soil as a US citizen.

... the Republican Party and parts of America's media (Fox I'm looking @ you) this pick up of "an
American spy" doesn't pass my smell test. Butina is going back to Russia and with that her testimony
about Russian/NRA/Trump/Republican will be limited.

Wonder what Whelan is getting out of it? I mean, nobody believes this guy just happened to go to Moscow for a wedding, right? Its a scam, a fake arrest, concocted by Trump and Putin to get Butina back to Russia and suppress what she has told Mueller. Mark my word. This is too coincidental.

of set up so that Butina does not reveal all that she knows.

is get Butina out of the country. The American judicial system requires that an accused be able to confront the accuser at trial. If Ms Butina is "not available" to be cross-examined, then her testimony can't be used. The DOJ would then have a very difficult time bringing charges against anyone based upon what Butina has told them because she couldn't be cross-examined by the defense at trial, and thus, her testimony can't be used.

There is a 100% chance this is a scam to get Butina back to Russia. Trump will shortly start making comments about "fake Russian spies" and whatnot in reference to Butina's arrest. Its very clear Putin told Trump what his orders were at the G20, and it included Syria, those companies who were un-sanctioned and Butina. We are heading to a serious place really quickly.

keep him and spread the possibility of a swap she'll feel hopeful

and sending a message to her she doesn't need to cooperate would be another effect whether a trade was actually part of the strategy or not

but I think she has already told DOJ everything, Whitaker told Trump what she has(who told Putin) and Putin told him to get her back to Russia immediately and they concocted this ruse.

told all to keep her quiet though.

i suppose if they just did this to get her back after she told all they would still be sending a message to future cooperators.

Russia and Trump needed time to set up this ruse. It wouldn't work with just any old American who happened to be in Russia.

that Whelan isn't willfully complicit. Who says he wasn't offered a butt-load of money to participate? He seems to have a way too convenient connection to Russia(though its not very clear why he has this connection).

I think this was a set up to get Butina back.

As this drags on it will make the orange maggot look bad, not Mueller.

Yeah, this could be part of the arrangement.

The loser in this would be Butina. She's sent back to Russia after having cut a deal with US prosecutors.....she could be a target for a fourth floor window or some spiked tea.

and its really... odd.

How did a man who was dishonorably discharged get such a job with BW? Further, i'm still in the dark as to what his connection to/affinity with Russia is about that lead him to visit the place many times?.

PUTIN: You must return Maria Butina, now.
TRUMP: Impossible. Mueller would be able to prove collusion.
PUTIN: Here is the plan. We trade spies. Soon, I'm arresting American named Paul Whelan for spying. Next, ...
TRUMP: Do not tell me anymore. CIA is watching me -- maybe listening to this call.

On Edit: I didn't know him to be a reich winger at the time. He apparently supports twitler. Still wish for a safe return for him.