Also, being a "Russian asset", whatever that means, doesn't affect anything. If he refuses to release dirt against Russia, the would be leaker can go to someone

Also, being a "Russian asset", whatever that means, doesn't affect anything. If he refuses to release dirt against Russia, the would be leaker can go to someone else or just release it themselves. He isn't the gatekeeper of all leaked information. Justifying it this way is just a ploy to punish the whistleblower and I can't believe how many people go along with it.