The encounter, which took place at the Willard Hotel, just a five-minute walk from the White House, indicates Ukrainian officials saw Giuliani, Trump’s personal attorney, as a valuable link to the American President. It also raises questions as to whether Giuliani’s shadow diplomacy efforts over the next year were also an effort to drum up business for his consulting group.
Tymoshenko was hoping Giuliani could broker a meeting with Trump and perhaps even arrange a picture with him, neither of which happened. But a person familiar with their interactions said Giuliani also wanted something in return: business.
Giuliani disputes the purpose of the meeting, which was included in disclosure forms filed by Tymoshenko’s lobbyists, telling CNN he never offered to work for Tymoshenko or enter into any sort of business relationship with her.
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