It would seem that The New York Times has been a little off-base lately in their assumptions about Russia. I don't know, but this may be more of a political calculation than it is an objective news article. Correct me if I'm wrong, but wouldn't it be more likely that this is a political piece?
You are right. That's why I suspect it is planted by US intelligence/ the Pentagon.
The NYT is hugely influential, and especially so among the left, liberal types. When it publishes this kind of article, that's effectively a 'dog whistle'; a proclamation of the frame of reference from which to view Russian actions in this field.
As to how and why things led up to this stage, the reason why Russia is in the doghouse, so to speak, the Russians need to introspect on their flagrant violations of several issues dear to the West. Obviously, this debate is vast and beyond our scope here, but the point to note is that every Russian name now comes under suspicion, or should do so, per the NYT's dog-whistle.
Those running Blockchain stuff monetisation will need to pay heed if they wish to continue doing business in the US, and by extension, the Western world. Basically, the game of applying increasing pressure has begun, and now its entered our 'decentralised' Blockchain world.
