Article snippet: Russian officials had disdainful words Saturday for a U.S. indictment that charged 13 Russians with interfering in the 2016 United Nations ambassador, Nikki Haley, declared that the Crimea sanctions wouldn't be lifted unless the peninsula is returned to Ukraine. Trump even signed legislation that would allow new sanctions on Russia. However, instead of imposing more sanctions, the president's administration released a list of Russia's most prominent politicians and wealthiest tycoons. The decision seemed to indicate that Trump wanted to avoid further alienating the Kremlin, even as it would be risky for his administration to make overtures to Russia amid the ongoing investigations of Moscow's alleged meddling in the electoral process. The Kremlin, in turn, appears to have no viable move other than to cling to its denials and wait to see if Trump survives. In the short term, that could be a useful strategy for Putin as he runs for re-election next month. The claims of Russophobia and unfounded allegations appeal to his base, which sees him as the man who has made Russia great again after so many years of international disrespect. The indictment itself does not close the door on Russia's hope that detente will flower before Trump's term ends in 2020. Andrei Zakharov, a journalist for Russia's RBC organization who has written extensively about the alleged troll factory, told The Associated Press he has doubts about it. "This does not look like a solid investiga... Link to the full article to read more