ALL CLEAR-"Ever since the release of Special Counsel Robert Mueller’s report, Russian business leaders and officials have been pushing Washington not to implement any new sanctions on Moscow or its interests." thedailybeast.com/the-mueller-re… via @thedailybeast

"In a series of meetings and phone calls over the last several weeks, Russians advocating for stronger ties between the two countries have urged U.S. officials to consider focusing on ramping up business partnerships instead of imposing sanctions, according to 3 US officials.

"Those involved, some of whom spoke to The Daily Beast, said they viewed the Mueller Report as a win for Moscow and an opportune time to push forward with the campaign.

"The push by Russians and other foreign individuals with business interests in Russia to deter additional sanctions is not new—but has ramped up in recent weeks.

"For two years an organized group of advocates have met with Washington officials to try to dissuade it from continuing to use sanctions as a foreign policy tool against Russia.

"In meetings and calls with the Treasury Department and top Democrats on the Hill, business tycoons and advocates argued that sanctions would likely do nothing to change Russian behavior, including preventing it from interfering in elections."