Putin's Revenge, Part Two (full documentary) | FRONTLINE

Recent questions

• What were the key factors in the Russian campaign during the U.S. election?

  The Russian campaign during the U.S. election was characterized by aggressive tactics, including cyber attacks and disinformation. Three individuals linked to President Trump faced charges amid Russia's interference, with a focus on disrupting American democracy. Putin sought revenge for perceived grievances against the U.S., using tactics like phishing emails to breach American networks and leak sensitive information. The campaign aimed to undermine the election's integrity and exploit chaos among Democrats, ultimately raising suspicions of collusion with Trump's team.

• How did Putin respond to perceived U.S. interference during the Sochi Olympics?

  During the Sochi Olympics, Putin believed the U.S. was involved in protests in Ukraine, leading to tensions and suspicions. Putin viewed Assistant Secretary of State Victoria Nuland's presence in Ukraine as U.S. interference, escalating his perception of American involvement. This belief fueled Putin's aggressive tactics in Ukraine, marking a new form of warfare that included disinformation, cyber attacks, and military strategies. The Sochi Olympics served as a platform for Putin to showcase Russian greatness, but the perceived U.S. interference fueled his desire for revenge and retaliation.

• What actions did Obama take in response to Russian interference in the U.S. election?

  In response to Russian interference in the U.S. election, Obama refrained from conflict with Russia but imposed sanctions targeting businesses and individuals. Obama had various cyber and non-cyber tools at his disposal to counter Russian actions, including destroying computer servers and revealing Putin's financial connections. Despite concerns about appearing partisan and influencing the election, Obama eventually agreed to publicly disclose intelligence about Russian interference. His administration sought bipartisan support before publicly calling out Putin, with efforts to avoid actions that could be perceived as favoring a particular candidate.

• How did the leaked DNC emails impact the U.S. election?

  The DNC emails leaked by Russian hackers and published by Wikileaks caused chaos among Democrats and exploited by Trump's campaign. The leaked emails amplified negative focus on Hillary Clinton, distracting from policy discussions and influencing the media and social media landscape. The release of the DNC emails overshadowed concerns about Russian interference in the election, shifting the narrative and creating challenges for Clinton's campaign. The leaks contributed to a sense of chaos and uncertainty surrounding the election, impacting voter perceptions and potentially influencing the outcome.

• What were the implications of Trump's alignment with Russian interests during the election?

  Trump's alignment with Russian interests during the election raised suspicions and questions of collusion with Moscow. His team had connections to Russia, leading to concerns about potential conflicts of interest and favoritism. Putin's personal interest in the election, fueled by past grievances against Clinton, made Trump favorable to the Russian leader. Trump's campaign faced scrutiny and accusations of being influenced by Russian interference, with implications for his presidency and the perception of his administration's relationship with foreign powers.