Accused Russian Spy Is Facing 'Borderline Torture,' br Says Russian Embassy Russian national Maria Butina has been jailed on spying charges since last month. The Russian Embassy in Washington says Butina has been humiliated by U.S. officials who are trying to "break" her. The Embassy also claims Butina is accused by Federal prosecutors of being a covert Russian agent, having KBG contacts and using sex to establish political contacts in the U.S. She has denied the charges. The Russian government claims br the arrest is due to current br U.S. anti-Russian sentiment.