Former CIA Acting Director Michael Morell says intermediaries paid Russian sources for Steele dossier, implying FSB curation and a Dec. 1, 2016 Kislyak‑Kushner meeting over a ‘secure line’ exchange

Summary

Former CIA Acting Director Michael Morell says intermediaries paid Russian sources for Steele dossier, implying FSB curation and a Dec. 1, 2016 Kislyak‑Kushner meeting over a ‘secure line’ exchange The passage offers concrete leads – a senior intelligence official’s claim that intermediaries paid sources (potentially ex‑FSB officers) for the Steele dossier, and a specific 2016 meeting where Russian ambassador Kislyak allegedly offered military intel in exchange for a secure communications line. These points point to financial flows, possible quid‑pro‑quo with high‑level officials (Kushner, Flynn) and foreign intelligence involvement, making them actionable. However, the claims are not new in the public discourse and lack corroborating details, limiting novelty. The controversy is high given the actors involved, but the overall investigative value is moderate‑high. Key insights: Michael Morell alleges Christopher Steele used intermediaries who paid Russian sources for dossier information.; He suggests the sources were ex‑FSB officers, implying direct Russian intelligence curation of the dossier.; Obama’s public statement linked the Kremlin to the DNC email theft posted on DC Leaks.