Washington: Russia's Foreign Ministry has begun a social media campaign calling for the release of Maria Butina, whom US prosecutors accused this week of acting as a covert Russian agent.

Model looks: Maria Butina in a photo from her Facebook page. Credit:Facebook

Federal prosecutors say Butina, 29, attempted to infiltrate political organisations and influence politicians while living in Washington on a student visa. Russia has denied the allegations.

Now, Moscow is using its formidable social media apparatus to press for her release.

The Foreign Ministry posted a call to action on its Twitter account on Thursday, declaring it was mobilising a digital "flash mob" in support of Butina and urging supporters to change their profile pictures to that of Butina.