The indictment is not about PR, it is about punishing Russian nationals who participated in this op.
The long arm of US law enforcement may not be able to get these folks in Russia, but it can prevent them from traveling in many countries around the world, and can result in their assets being frozen.
The other thing is that if any of the individuals involved come to fear for their safety from Putin's government, these indictments will be a strong motivator for them to rat other parts of the Russian intelligence apparatus.
The long arm of US law enforcement may not be able to get these folks in Russia, but it can prevent them from traveling in many countries around the world, and can result in their assets being frozen.
The other thing is that if any of the individuals involved come to fear for their safety from Putin's government, these indictments will be a strong motivator for them to rat other parts of the Russian intelligence apparatus.