Ukraine’s Security Service notified Rudy Giuliani’s top Ukrainian allies on Monday that they are suspects of treason, a serious crime that can result in life in prison. The allegations stem from the officials’ alleged involvement in an organization that received more than $10 million from the Russian Federation to “discredit” Ukraine on the international stage.
The organization, according to the Ukrainian Security Service, was founded by chief members of Russia’s Military Intelligence. It is suspected of organizing events to discredit the image of Ukraine in the international arena in order to worsen diplomatic relations with the United States and complicate Ukraine’s accession to the European Union and NATO.
One of the officials suspected of involvement in the organization is Oleksandr Dubinsky, a Ukrainian member of parliament. Dubinsky is also suspected of spreading misinformation about Ukraine’s political leadership. He will be detained for 60 days, or until January 12, 2024, while the investigation is ongoing.
Giuliani met with Dubinsky and another official, Andriy Derkach, in Kyiv in December 2019. The meeting was part of Giuliani’s efforts to dig up dirt on then-presidential candidate Joe Biden and his son, Hunter Biden. The Biden family has denied any wrongdoing.
Giuliani’s actions in Ukraine have been the subject of scrutiny for several years. In 2021, a former Ukrainian presidential adviser told Time that he believed “Mayor Giuliani’s actions in Ukraine threatened our national security” and that the country should not allow efforts to “drag our country into our allies’ domestic politics” to go “unpunished.”
The charges against Dubinsky and the other officials are serious and could have significant consequences for both Ukraine and the United States. The allegations underscore the close ties between Russia and Ukraine’s pro-Russian opposition, as well as the potential for foreign interference in Ukrainian politics.
The charges also raise questions about Giuliani’s role in the events leading up to the 2020 US election. Giuliani has been accused of working with Russian officials to undermine Biden’s campaign and to help Trump win the election. He has denied these allegations.
The charges against Dubinsky and the other officials are still being investigated. It is unclear if Giuliani will be charged with any crimes in connection with the allegations. However, the charges underscore the seriousness of the situation and the potential for further repercussions.