And the once chatty operative - who was known for kibitzing with reporters, diplomats and political consultants over WhatsApp and in the bar of the Hyatt hotel in Kiev - has gone dark.

这位曾经总爱闲聊——在出了名喜欢在WhatsApp，在基辅凯悦店里与记者、外交官或政治顾问闲聊——这次却选择了沉默。