Congressman James Comer has called for an explanation from the State Department regarding what he perceives as “sudden” policy changes during the Obama administration.
This is specifically concerning Ukraine and the firing of Ukrainian prosecutor Viktor Shokin.
Comer’s inquiry comes as part of the Committee on Oversight and Accountability’s ongoing investigation into President Joe Biden’s international and domestic business connections.
In a letter addressed to Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Comer seeks to shed light on the circumstances surrounding certain foreign policy changes that occurred while Joe Biden was Vice President.
Of particular interest is the situation in Ukraine, where Biden’s son, Hunter Biden, served on the board of directors of Burisma, a company under investigation for corruption.
As reported by Fox News on Tuesday, September 12, 2023, one key aspect of the inquiry revolves around the firing of Prosecutor General Viktor Shokin.
President Biden has publicly acknowledged his role in pressuring Ukraine to dismiss Shokin, stating, “I said, ‘You’re not getting the billion.
I’m going to be leaving here in,’ I think it was about six hours. I looked at them and said: ‘I’m leaving in six hours. If the prosecutor is not fired, you’re not getting the money.’” Shokin was subsequently removed from his position by the Ukrainian Rada in March 2016.
Comer’s letter raises questions about events leading to Shokin’s dismissal.
This is particularly the timing and circumstances surrounding the change in the State Department’s disposition toward the Ukrainian Office of the Prosecutor General in late 2015.
The letter suggests that by late 2015, Shokin’s removal had become a condition for a loan guarantee from the United States.
The Congressman’s inquiry seeks to understand the factors that influenced these policy changes and their potential implications, especially in light of Hunter Biden’s involvement with Burisma.
The investigation also aims to provide context for the decisions made during the Obama administration with regard to Ukraine.
While these questions have been the subject of past investigations and public discussions, Comer’s request for information underscores the continued interest in understanding the actions and motivations behind foreign policy.
As the Committee on Oversight and Accountability delves into these matters, it remains to be seen what information and insights will emerge regarding the events surrounding the firing of Prosecutor General Viktor Shokin.
