5 Things to Know About the Russia Investigation, Mueller Indictments, Trump Collusion

By Brandon Showalter, Opinion writer and social commentator Tuesday, February 20, 2018

5. The investigation is not over, Trump hasn't been cleared.

Former U.S. National Security Adviser Michael Flynn arrives for a plea hearing at U.S. District Court, where he's expected to plead guilty to lying to the FBI about his contacts with Russia's ambassador to the United States, in Washington, U.S., December 1, 2017. | (Photo: REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst)

Despite the indictments that have been issued, Special Counsel Mueller is not finished with his probe.

Further indictments may yet emerge and the latest charges have increased conversation about the dangers of cyber warfare, especially how Russia crossed so many lines in recent years, as newer technology allows them to interfere more efficiently and quickly.

Reports indicate that Special Counsel Mueller may wind up the investigation in as little as a few weeks but suggest it is also possible that the probe could last for several more months, perhaps even through the upcoming 2018 mid-term elections.

Since October, Mueller has indicted four former Trump aides including Paul Manafort, Michael Flynn, Rick Gates, and George Papadapoulos. Flynn and Papadapoulos have already pleaded guilty to their respective charges.

When journalists have pressed Trump on whether he would agree to be interviewed by Mueller he has given mixed signals, telling them "yes," "no" and "maybe" at various times. On Jan. 10 the president told reporters, "We'll see what happens."

Mueller has thus far not indicated if he will interview the president.

Meanwhile, the Kremlin dismissed the indictments Monday, saying they do not see any "significant evidence" that someone interfered in U.S. affairs, and also rejected the idea that the Russian government was involved, as was reported by The Hill.