A Russian energy company partly owned by a friend of President Vladimir Putin has spent at least $280,000 in lobbying fees in the U.S. aimed in part at opposing a Senate bill that seeks to broaden U.S. economic sanctions against Russia for invading Ukraine, according to lobbying-disclosure records. The payments, made by OAO Novatek to Washington lobbying and public-relations firm Qorvis MSLGroup over three months ended Sept. 30, provide a window into the behind-the-scenes struggle in Washington over Western economic pressure against the Kremlin at a time when the U.S. is considering further business restrictions on Russia. The punitive measures have brought new work to Washington law and lobbying firms trying to help Western and Russian clients navigate one of the most complex sanctions regimes devised by […]