Qorvis MSL represents OAO Novatek, which made the list of US-sanctioned companies for Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

novatekBillionaire Gennady Timchenko, a crony of Russia strongman Vladimir Putin, is a major stockholder of Novatek.

Reportedly worth more than $14B, the US State Dept. called Timchenko a member of Putin's "inner circle".

Novatek issued a statement July 17, which noted it has neither businesses nor plans to make an political/economic impact in Ukraine.

The gas giant claims to adhere to "the world's best corporate governance and business conduct principles."

Novatek pointed out that individual Americans, US banks and investment funds are among is owners.

Qorvis' Loretta Prencipe, former manager of the Dept. of Energy's clean energy website, SunEdison communications director and InfoWorld senior editor, and Ayal Frank, ex-staffer to Connecticut Rep. Jim Maloney supporting Armed Services Committee work, handle Novatek.

They're focused on the Russian Aggression Prevention Act of 2014, Executive Order 13662-Blocking Property of Additional Persons Contributing to the Situation in Ukraine, credit financing issues and global energy markets.

Ketchum, which is part of Omnicom, counts Russia and its energy giant Gazprom as clients.

Publicis Groupe owns Qorvis MSL.