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Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsMaria Butina's Red Sparrow makeover: Photos before and after she became a russian spy.
https://www.thedailybeast.com/maria-butinas-red-sparrow-makeover-revealed-on-russian-tv?ref=homeLink to tweet
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In point of fact, Russian state media seems to be preparing the public for upcoming revelations of a sexual nature, openly comparing Maria Butina with Anna Chapman, who was arrested along with nine other agents in 2010, all of whom were exchanged for four spies held by Moscow. (Among them was Sergei Skripal, subsequently the object of an alleged Russian assassination attempt.)
The thrust of the Russian coverage seems to be that Butina fancied herself a spy and seductress without actually being one, but her parents evasive answers were not much help building that case.
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Channel One host Malakhov asked Maria Butinas father about his daughters means of support in America. Valery Butin reluctantly admitted: She had influential acquaintances who recognized her abilities and were helping her financially. Butin deflected additional questions about the identities of his daughters influential supporters
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A cursory look into Butinas room in her parents apartment suggests a family of modest means, raising questions about whether anonymous benefactors provided the funding for the seven furniture stores she owned prior to her American travels. Responding to questions about the source of funds for his daughters entrepreneurial ventures, Butinas father said, She is a skilled organizer.
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Valery Butin showed off the high marks his daughter received during her American studies, revealing that some of the courses included International Affairs, International Politics, Cybersecurity, Terrorism, and Espionage.
Achilleaze
(15,543 posts)obviously. deplorably. treasonously.
aikoaiko
(34,185 posts)Double entendre intended.
volstork
(5,403 posts)Well, technically, there's more than one way to interpret the phrase, "Business in the front, party in the back." Seems like she has most of those ways covered.
FreepFryer
(7,077 posts)This kind of stuff helps us a great deal to achieve retribution and an effective commitment at deterrence.
Time and place of our choosing, Maria.
UpInArms
(51,289 posts)Codeine
(25,586 posts)The very height of Eastern Bloc chic.
ProudLib72
(17,984 posts)I realize I may be biased because I picture Bond girls when it comes to "sexpot Russian spies", but Butina is not at all what I consider a seductress. Maybe for the typical NRA deplorable type, but not for anyone else. She looks like a school teacher from North Dakota in the before pictures, and she looks like that same school teacher in the after pictures, only she has grown her hair out and moved to Miami.
Hey Pooty Poot, if you are reading this, try harder! Be best!
Liberty Belle
(9,538 posts)ProudLib72
(17,984 posts)And what is up with those metal stiletto heels? Russian spy or not, she ain't making a quick getaway in those shoes!
FailureToCommunicate
(14,027 posts)other than a 'quick gettaway'
dhol82
(9,353 posts)Get real.
ProudLib72
(17,984 posts)Not much training and accessorizing needed.
Tanuki
(14,926 posts)HipChick
(25,485 posts)Remember the blonde wig she was sporting just last week?
dhol82
(9,353 posts)Hope it was worth it.
UpInArms
(51,289 posts)... old Oklahoma City commercial...
Blue Owl
(50,547 posts)n/t