According to former Giuliani associate Lev Parnas, a now-indicted business executive, Giuliani asked Zelensky to back off the move, which would have significantly reduced Klitschko’s power. At that meeting, Zelensky made clear he was still waiting for the meeting he actually wanted. Even Friday, hours before The Post’s scoop on the Klitschko meeting, Zelensky appeared with Secretary of State Mike Pompeo in Kyiv and again talked about wanting the White House meeting. ADSo when Giuliani sits down with Yermak in August and broaches Klitschko, he probably does not even need to ask him directly. But it is not unreasonable to think Giuliani might have played a role, given the power imbalance and what the Trump team has repeatedly shown it is willing to do.

Source: Washington Post January 31, 2020 21:43 UTC