New Documents Show Giuliani Associates Were Stalking Ambassador Yovanovitch In Ukraine

During former U.S. ambassador to Ukraine Marie Yovanovitch’s testimony before the House last year, she said that she felt that she was the target of harassment and intimidation by President Donald Trump and his associates – newly released documents show Yovanovitch was not exaggerating.

Just ahead of the Senate’s impeachment trial, House Democrats divulged a number of documents connected to Rudy Giuliani’s associate, Lev Parnas. Perhaps the most stunning revelation to be found was a series of exchanges between Parnas and Robert F. Hyde last March. Hyde, a Trump donor and failed Republican congressional candidate, told Parnas via WhatsApp messages that he had people keeping an eye on Yovanovitch.

“They will let me know when [Yovanovitch]’s on the move,” Hyde messaged to Parnas. “They are willing to help if we/you would like a price... Guess you can do anything in the [sic] Ukraine with what I was told.”

“Lol,” Parnas replied.

Hyde also detailed how his people were monitoring and probing Yovanovitch’s private security detail but worried that if Parnas didn’t direct an action to be taken soon, they would be exposed. Hyde repeatedly urged Parnas to make a decision. To reassure Parnas, Hyde messaged, “It’s confirmed we have a person inside.”

While Hyde is never overly explicit about what actions he’s pressing Parnas to order, it’s clear Yovanovitch was in harm’s way – from people directly connected to the president, no less. Given her testimony and use of private security while in Kiev, it’s clear the former ambassador knew she was in trouble. After the release of the text messages, Yovanovitch’s lawyer called for the “disturbing” implications to be investigated.

The Daily Beast attempted to reach out to Hyde for comment, to which he replied via text message: “Bull Schiff is a giant b----.”

Yovanovitch was dismissed as ambassador last year. During her testimony, she said it was because she was against the alleged agenda of pressuring the Ukraininan government into investigating former Vice President Joe Biden's son.

Lev Parnas is currently being indicted over his role in allegedly funneling foreign money into the U.S. government in order to influence relations with Ukraine. As a close associate to Giuliani, Trump’s personal lawyer, both men are believed to have played central roles in the push to have the Ukrainian government investigate Hunter Biden’s time with Burisma.

In addition to the exchange between Hyde and Parnas, these new documents further underscore not only how Giuliani and his associates actively pursued discussions with members of the Ukrainian government, but that it was likely being done with the president’s knowledge.