Russia’s news agency TASS reports that Russia’s Foreign Ministry welcomes Facebook’s initiative to tackle fake accounts. It added that the Russian Foreign Ministry’s spokeswoman also suggested that direct contact be established between Facebook and Russian government agencies.

Source: TASS: Russian Politics & Diplomacy – Russian Foreign Ministry welcomes Facebook’s initiative to tackle fake accounts

Once again, the timing is fascinating. Today, the NYT publishes a high profile editorial entitled, ‘ Opinion – Russia’s Fake Americans – The Editorial Board – the NYT’.

Before the NYT story gained any traction, TASS deflected the issue back to Facebook. Russian readers will today be blaming Facebook and US readers will again be struggling for the truth, especially about their President’s possible links with Russia.

Perhaps Russia’s looking to deflect Western media attention from its huge military excercise in East Europe at NATO’s border?

Thoughts?