Former Ukrainian Diplomat, Rudy Giuliani Ally Offered Money To Influence GOP Senators On Behalf Of Pro-Kremlin Outlets

Andrii Telizhenko, a former Ukrainian diplomat and ally of Trump’s personal lawyer Rudy Giuliani, wanted to influence Republican senators in favor of several pro-Kremlin media outlets, CNN reported Saturday.

A Ukrainian magazine editor, Vladislav Davidzon, told CNN that Telizhenko offered him $5,000 in hopes that he would meet several Republican U.S. senators. Telizhenko allegedly wanted Davidzon to convince these senators to push against the Ukrainian government’s efforts to crack down on two pro-Kremlin TV stations: 112 Ukraine and News One.

"Have a question do you or your father have contacts with US Senators? I really need a favour for witch (sic) I can pay up to 5k," Telizhenko wrote Davidzon in October 2018.

"My question is is it possible to get an official comment on a Senators (Rand Paul, Lindsey Graham for example) website next week about this situation of censorship in Ukraine? Really important for me and need fast," Telizhenko continued. Telizhenko’s message came shortly after Ukrainian lawmakers voted in favor of legislation that could censor 122 Ukraine and News One.

Davidzon never went forward with Talizhenko’s request, as he viewed it as “improper.”

The two news stations have been accused of broadcasting pro-Kremlin propaganda. The owner of the two stations, Taras Kozak, was questioned by Ukrainian authorities in October, due to terrorism financing allegations.

Telizhenko has often criticized the Biden family. On Wednesday, Sen. Ron Johnson, R-WI., postponed a vote to subpoena Telizhenko as part of an investigation into Hunter Biden’s work at Ukranian energy company Burisma. Republicans want to know whether Hunter worked there due to the influence of his father, former Vice President Joe Biden.

"Out of an abundance of caution, and to allow time for you to receive additional briefings, I will postpone a vote to subpoena records and an appearance from former Blue Star Strategies consultant Andrii Telizhenko about his work for the lobbying firm," Johnson said Wednesday. "While we work through those questions, at the suggestion of both Republican and Democrat Committee members, we will instead go straight to the source and compel the same records and an appearance directly from Blue Star Strategies.”

Telizhenko has also reportedly met with Trump ally Devin Nunes, R.-Calif. Telizhenko has claimed that Democrats worked with Ukrainian officials to undermine Donald Trump’s 2016 presidential campaign.