The facts clearly establish that the FBI's investigation into Russia's interference are separate from an investigation into possible collusion between the Russian government and the Trump administration or campaign. In other words, Russia's aggressive interference against American democracy was a large, robust, and comprehensive effort, a part of an ongoing adversarial relationship, and if there was collusion between the Trump administration and/or campaign and the Russian government, it is only a small part of those efforts.

Comey was asked directly as to whether or not the investigation into Michael Flynn was central into the investigation into Russian interference. Specifically, Flynn was asked whether closing the Flynn investigation would hamper the larger Russian investigation. Flynn said no, though he then added that sometimes when people are investigated they "flip" and provide even more information.

This crisis has also been characterized by some Republicans as a purely political controversy. The reality is that the intelligence community and the FBI are worried about a very complex and extensive Russian campaign against the United States. These political figures are just part of that. 

It is also interesting that immunity has been denied, by the Congress and/or the FBI, to several figures, including Michael Flynn.  In other words, Congress and the FBI have plenty of evidence against Russia, and potentially against Michael Flynn and maybe other Trump affiliates. They don't need the cooperation of Flynn or anyone else. This is not politics.

-- James Miller