The Freedom Oflnformzfion Act (5 USC 552}

FOIA Exemptions

(5X1) 111 formation specifically auflrorizcd by an executive order 10 be kept scarcl in tho intarcst of national defense- or foreign policy. Executive Order 13526 inciudcs the followmg ciassification categories:

!.4(a) Military plans, systems, or o p e r a t i o n s 1,4(b) Foreign government information 1.4(0) Intelligence activities, sources or mcdmds, or u'yptology 3.4 ((1) Foreign relations or foreign activities of the US, including confidential sources 1 .405) Scientific, t e c h n o l o g i c a l , or economic maficm rcIating to national sccmity, including defense against bansuational terrorism 1 . 4 ( 1 ' ) U.S. Govcmrncnt programs f o r safeguarding nuclear materials or faciiifics 1.4(g) Vulncmbiiitics or capabilities ofsystcms, i n s t a l l a t i o n s , infi-astrucmms, projects, plans, or protection Ween relating to US national security, including dcfmsc against mnmafiona! terrorism 1 . 4 0 1 ) Weapons of mass demotion

(b)(2) Related solely to the- internal personnel mics and practices bfzn agaucy

9X3] Specifically cxem’plcd fiom disclosum by statute (other than 5 USC 552), for cacamplc:

ARMSEXP Arms Export Control Act, 503 USC 2411(0) CIA PERSJORG (1ch1 Intelligence Agency Ad of 1949. 50 USC 403(g) EXPORT CONTROL Exporl Administ‘aiion Act of 1979, 50 USC App. Sec. 2411(6) FS ACT Foreign Service Act of 1980, 22 USC 4004 INA Immigrafion and Nationality Act, 8 USC 1202(f}, Sec. 222(0 [RAN Iran Claims Sctflcmcnt Act, Public Law 99—99, Soc- 505

{b)(4) Trade secrets and confidential commercial orfmancial informaflon '

(b)(5} Interagmqr or inumagmcy communicaiio'ns forming part ofthe defiboraiive pmccss, anoméyeiimt privilege; or aitomcy work product

(10(6) Personal privacy infomafion

(bx?) Law enfomcmmt ?nfomafion whose disclosure would: (A) inmrfcrc with enforcement procwdings (B) deprive a person ofa fair tn‘a! (C) wastimiz an unwarrantad invasian of personal privacy (D) disclose confidential sources (E) disclose invcsfigaxion todmiqucs (F) endanger fife or physical safety ofan individual

{b)(fi) Pmpared by orfor a govermnmt agency regulating or supervising financial institutions

{5X9} Geological andggcophysical information and data, including maps, moaning wells

Other Grounds for Withholding

NR Material not responsive 1.0 a FOIA request mcciscd with the agreement affine. rcqucs‘lcr CO 6 8 4 5 9 9 1=IED US. Department of State Case No. F-2019—06332 Doc No. (306845991 Date: 11f22z’2019

NO‘DISCERNIBLE CLASSIFICATION

From: John HerbstLfiw ______' . BG Sent: Monday, April 08, 2019 12:39 PM To: Hale. David CC: FPOPadW lSpifer— — Irr_p_ascualce,i:-;wtaytorf'J_fl John and MaHé[la”TEfftj ___' _ J Subject: For Your Consideration— Attachments: Letter to Under Secretary Halapdf '

'RELEAEE'IE' ' [PART 36

i NO DISCERNIBLE CLASSIFICATION

UNCLASSIFIED US. Department of State Case NO. F-20‘19—06332 Doc No. 006845991 Date: 11222019 CO 6 8 4 6 0 l 3 FIED US. Department of State Case No. F-2019—06332 Doc No. 006846013 Date: 10222019

Page 1 0f 1

‘ ’ - B6 RELEASE IN PAR'I“ , . . John Herbs: f [)chctor, Eurasma Center _BS_ _’

Ambassador (REL)

1030 15th StreepiNW, 12th Floor | Washington, DC 20005 “ T: _1 Cam J Email. f

m.fagebggk.cgmgALIanticCQunciI | @[ohnEdHerbst [ www.ALlanticCguncilgrg

1

,\

)

\

1‘11-_Hh‘r. n1rn1hnnrom "r‘T‘nnnnI Lo“... 1ncmn1n ‘ UNCLASSIFIED U. S Department ofState Case No. F-2019-06332 Doc No (306846013 Date:11f22i2019 C O 6 8 4 6 0 l l IED US, Department of State Case No. F-2019-06332 Doc No. 006846011 Date: 11f22i2019

N0 DISCERNIBLE CLASSIFICATION I ‘ — ' _ Be __ i ._. E

From: Hale David IIR—ELEKgE IN fifii’" Sent: Monday Aprii 08 2019 12:44 PM 133 To: Brechbuhl, Thongs U _ * Cc: Reeker Philip T;_ _ __ Subject: Fwd: For Your Consideration Attachments: ' image003.jpg; ATT00001 htm; Letter to Under Secretary Hale. pdf; ATT00002.htm

FYI ”

Sent from my iPhone

Begin forwarded message:

From: John Herhat:L I Date: April 82019_a¥_—1'2: 38:39_P_M__E'DT_'_" — To "haledm __ __I ___I _ _ ._. ______Cc=W14 __ ___. _._1'I§Pifi.___ _.. . _ _ _._ . J "pascu_alce . 'wtavlor _ ___IJohn and

MarieIIaTef‘fi I kSubject: For YourC—onsidTeratio—n”

Dear David, - *‘ Attached is a letter signed by five of our colleagues and myseif regarding the ungrounded attack by the Ukrainian Prosecutor General on our Embassy in Kyiv and Ambassador Yova novitch. This attack was in fact prompted by the Ambassador and Embassy’s strong advocacy of Washington policy on reform issues. Thank you for our attention to this this. - If you have any questions and would like further information, we are at your disposai. Best, I John

I7 I N0 DISCERNIBLE CLRSSIFICATION 1

UNCLASSIFIED! US. Department of State Case No. F-2019-06332 Doc No. C06846011 Date: 111222019 CO 6 8 4 6 OO glFIED U.S. Department of State Case No. F-2019—06332 Doc No. 006846009 Date: 111'2212019

N0 DISCERNIBLE CLASSIFICATION

From: I Reeker. Philip T RELEASE IN PART I Sent: Monday April 03, 2019 7:37 PM E5135 ___. . To: Brechbuhl, Thomas U Subject: Fw: Six former Ambassadors to Ukraine sign letter of support to P and C Attachments: Letter to Under Secretary Hale.pdf

Ihanksformeetinfi'flEM—mUlrich, .__. ___: '"'"""_ _ 35

rflmreachable over this period in Stuttgart, Brussefs, Ranlsggio, and 8er_|_i_n_.-_ I .. .. ‘ i. _ __ . .. ___. _. B6

Best, Phil

Sent from my BlackBerry 10 smartphone.

Attached is a letter signed by five of our colleagues and myself regarding the ungrounded attack by the Ukrainian Prosecutor General on our Embassy ‘In Kyiv and Ambassador Yoyanov‘rtch. Th'rs attack was in fact prom pted by the Ambassador and Embassy’s strong advocacy of Washington policy on reform issues. Thank you for our attention to this this.

If you have any questions and would like further information, we are at your disposal.

Best,

John Herbst

Official

UNCLASSIFIED

|:| NO DISCERNIBLE CUSSIFICATION 1

UNCLASSIFIED US. Department of State Case No. F-2019—06332 Doc No‘ (306846009 Date: 112212019 CO 6 8 4 6 0 0 glFlED U.S. Department of State Case No. F-2019—06332 Doc No. {306846009 Date: 11122112019

NO DISCERNIBLE CLASSIFICATION ‘

No DISCERNIBLE CLASSIFICATION ‘ 2 B6

UNCLASSIFIED LJ.S. Department of State Case No. F-2019—06332 Doc No'. (306846009 Date: 1022:2019 c0 6 8 4 5 9 9 6‘lED US. Department of State Case No. F-2019—06332 Doc No. 006845996 Date: 11122112019

- 'fiELEKéE—Tifl NO DISCERNIBLE CLhSSIFICATION PART 86 BS

From: John Herbst I Sent: Tuesday, April 09, 2019 3318 AM To: I Brechbuhl, Thomas U Cc: T__m I Subject: Fwd: For Your Censideration Attachments: imageOOBJpg; ATT00001.htm; Letter to Under Secretary Halepdf; ATT00002.htm ‘

NO DISCERNIBLE CLASSIFICJITION

UNCLASSIFIED US. Department of étate Case No. F-2019-06332 Doc No. 006845996 Date: 11f22f2019 C0 68 4 5 9 98 UNCLASSIFIED US. Department of State Case No. F-2019-06332 Doc No. 006845998 Date: 1112212019 __

RELEASE IN PART} 36

UNCLASSIFIED 09 Department of State Case No. F—2019—06332 Doc No. 006845998 Date: 1022:2019

c0 6 8 4 5 9 9 8=|ED US. Department of State Case No. F-2019-06332 Doc No. 006845998 Date: 11129019

Page 1 of I

John Herbst I Director, Eurasia Center BG- Ambassador (Rem)

. 1030 15th Street, NW, 12th Floor | Washington, DC 20005 |mcc11C_C]| Email:

www. fggebook.comgAdanEQoungil I @IohnEdHerbstt| wrwAtlanticCQuncilth

IIN'I'. I‘l‘Fr'l fnn‘VFnFA T'rnnnn1 ‘..... 1 ‘ ’1 f Iflnih UNCLASSIFIED U. S Department of State Case No. F-2019-06332 DOC No. 006845998 Datez111’222’2019

CO 6 8 4 6 O 0 6FIED US. Department of State Case No. F-2019—06332 Doc No. 006846006 Date: 11122112019

NO DISCERNIBLE CLASSIFICATION

From: - Hale, David Sent: - _ [_Mondav. Abril 15. 21019 10:54 AM ‘ RELEASE IN [3ng 36 | T°‘ __ _ [3.5- -_-._.....__ - Subject: . ' FW: For Your Consideration Attachments: ' Letter to Under Secretary Halepdf

Not sure what to do with this

From: John Herbst _ .Sent: Monday, April 8, 2019 12:39 PM I To: Hale, David H Im "?;John a'nd Mariella Tefft ,- Cczpooafim- '5 iferI” “I ascualc : ' I I-‘L—I-... ._J' _.._ .' I I Subject: For Your Consideration

Dear David,

. . Attached is a letter signed by five of our colleagues and myself regarding the ungrounded attack by the Ukrainian Prosecutor General on our Embassy in Kyiv and Ambassador Yovanovitch. This attack was in fact prompted by the Ambassador and Em bassy’s strong advocacy of Washington policy on reform issues. Thank you for our attention to this this. - - '

If you have any questions and would like further information, we are at your disposal.

Best, John

@Atiantit Counoil

John Herbst | Director, Eurasia Center Ambassador [Ret.) 1030 ISth Street, NW, 12th Fjggrl Washiqgton, DC 20%;” _ _I T: I: '___II,CE“iI ; Emaii: www.facebook.comIAtIanticCouncil | @JCI—h'nEdHerbst |"www.Atlahti—cCouncilior'g

I _‘ NO DISCERNIBLE CLASSIFICATION . . 1

UNCLASSIFIED US. Department Of State Case No‘ F-2019-06332 Doc No. C06846006 Date: 113221’2019 C0 6 8 4 6 O 2 0 FIED US. Department of State Case No, F-2019-06332 Doc No. 006846020 Date: 111'221'2019

NO DISCERNIBLE CLASSIFICATION

From: Brechbuhl, Thomas u IRElTEASE IN___PART egg] Sent: Tuesday, April 09. 2019 11:59 PM To; John Herbst ' Cc: BS Subject: Re: For Your Eansideratlon

Thank you for WM concern and'offer. it’s much appreciated.

Ulrich

T. Ulrich Brecthhl Counselor, 0.5. Department of State On Apr 9, 2019, at 2:19 AM, John Herbst I _' I Iwrote:

Dear Mr. Brechbuhl,

We provide this for your information. As we offered David, we would be happy to provide further information to you if you would like.

Thanks for your attention to this.

Best John

From:John HerbstL ___ _ Date: April 8, 2019 at 12:38:39_[’_|\_f_l_ EDT To: ”haleng 1 Cc:"3316!"IgopadiulgI .. .._..______m—..__ .. _ ‘ '

"Qascualcg _ If wtaylor' _ -- Marieljfl..T.efft._. "__ng

Subject: liar Your Consideration

Dear David, Attached is a letter signed by five of our colleagues and myself regarding the ungrou nded attack by the Ukrainian Prosecutor General on our Embassy in Kyiy and Ambassador Yoyanovltch. This attack was in fact prompted by the Ambassador and Embassy’s strong advocacy of Washington policy on reform issues. Thank you for your attention to this. If you have any questions and would like further information, we are at your disposal.

NO DISCERNIBLE CLASSIFICATION 1

UNCLASSIFIED U.S. Department of State Case No. F-2019—06332 Doc No. 006846020 Date: 1112212019 c0 6 8 4 6 0 2 0 FIED us. Department of State Case No. F-2019-06332 Doc No. 006846020 Date: 1022:2019

no D'ISCERNIBLE cussmcxrxou I Best, John John Herbst | Director, Eurasia Center ' / Ambassador [Rat] . B6 1030 15th Street, NW, 12th Floor I Washington, DC 20005___.. ._ _ .' __ ’fl 1] Cell: —‘ Email:

www:facebook.com:’IAtlanti_cCouncil | @JohnEdHerbst [

www.AtlanticCouncilorg

ND DISCERNIBLE CLASSIFICATION . I 2

UNCLASSlFlED US. Department of State Case No. F-2019—06332 Doc No. 006846020 Date: 11f22l2019 C O 6 8 4 6 O 1 O=lED US. Department of State Case No. F-2019-06332 Doc No. 006846010 Date: 11f22f2019

The Hon. David Hale Under Secretary for Political Affairs . "RELEASE IN FULL‘. : - Washmgton,2201 .CStNWDC 20520 -, ._-—..

April 5, 2019

Dear Under Secretary Hale:

We are former US Ambassadors to Ukraine who have sewed under both Republican and Democratic presidents, and who follow events in Ukraine carefiifly. We are deeply concerned by recent uncontoboratcd allegations questioning the work of the US Embassy in Kyiv and Ambassador Marie Yovanovitch. These charges are simply wrong. Two articles by John Solomon -- in The Hill over the past‘several weeks and echoed in other media — claim without credible evidence, that the US Embassy in Kyiv under Yovanovitch interfered in the Prosecutor General of Ukraine’s ability to investigate mti-cormption cases. Based on hearsay, the articles also claim that the ambassador criticized President Donald Trump in talks With Ukrainian interlocutors. There are several problems with these claims. ‘

First, Ambassador Yovanoviteh is an esteemed career diplomat who has served both Republican and . Democratic presidents. She was appointed ambassador to Ukraine by President Barack Obama. President George W. Bush appointed her as ambassador to both Kyrgyzsun and Armenia. She has a flawlesa record as a diplomat. We know her well. She is a professional of the highest integfity. ‘ The second problem is that the articles evidence no familiarity with [kraim'an politics. Solomon takes the word of Ukraine's Prosecutor General at face value and desceibes him as a reformer. Butmany Ukrainian and foreign l ‘ observers regard his reform record as prosecutor: general as, at beet1 mixed. Finally, the charges that Ambassador Yomovitch badmouthed President Trump come from a letter that then- Congressman Pete Sessions sent to Secretary ofS tare Mike Pompeo last May As you know, the Secretary took no action presumably because there was no evidence The alleged behavior attributed to Ambassador Yovanovitch are simply foreign to her ethics and professional : ' demeanor. But We know that there sure vested interests in Ukraine clearly unhappy with her championing the US government’s strong reform advocacy, and these vested interests are not above smear tactics. If the attack on Ambassador Yovanovitch were to gain traction, it would be an injustice against her and against reformers in Ukraine. Whom of Ukrainians took to the streets in the 2014 Maiden Revolution to bring transparency and accountability to Ukrainian politics. An alliance to sustain this mommtutn ensued -- of civil society (NGOS like the Anti-Comlption Action Center and Transparency International Ukraine); refonnere at the ministerial level (like former Finance Minister Natalie Jaresko, former Finance Minister Oleksand: Danylyuk, Naftohaz Chief Andriy Kobolyev, and Health Minister Uiana Suprun); and the hitemationa] community (including the IMF, the EBRD, the United States, and the European Union). This alliance has made it easier for the top leadership— President P_oroshenko and first Prime Nfinisters Yatsenyuk and then Groisrnan — to make difficult reform decisions Progress has not always been even, but the direction toward a democratically controlled Ukraineis profound

The stories against the US Embassy and Ambassador Yovanovitch were partly designed to weaken that alliance; if the alliance is weaker, it will be harder to take effective action against corruption. Simple justice demands that that not happen.

UNCLASSIFIED US. Department of State Case No‘ F-2019-06332 Doc No. 006846010 Date: 11922019 CO 6 8 4 6 O l O FIED US. Department of State Case No. F-20‘19-06332 Doc No. 006846010 Date: 11i22f2019

'Fmflser.aflowhgmecemduonaUSmhnduhmeaddtomudfihwemmnflhfim efidskhfielfiwtwmnfiemmdwfimfieew ' Wehakfuwud wharf Imam ' Wemstfiawmpmehiugtoflwm finmmdmbemmmtmmm

. . 9M,

_ . I '. k\ x k . ‘ \h\b

! M/W AFKJKM . ' _l

i _ FthSAnhmsdoetoUlaehm fifiUfifinfimfl-xblm

SmPifi-z mum MUSMW“NUW ShihUE £‘1haindotmflhine

Cndtrl’am ' J Tefl't - - FMUfiAmbundmthhe SumfiUSAn-hmmUh-dm

oaCamme. {WWW

UNCLASSIFIED 0.8. Department of State Case No. F-2019—06332 Doc No. 006846010 Date: 11/229019 CO 6 8 4 6 O O 8|FIED US. Department of State Case No. F-2019—06332 Doc No. 006846008 Date: 102232019

The Han. David Hale Under Secretary for Political Affairs 2201 C’St NW I :RELEASE IN FULL Washington, DC 20520

Aptil 5, 2019

Dear Under Secretary Hale: I We late fonnex US Ambassadors to Ukraine who have served under both Republican. and Democratic presidents, and who follow events in Ukraine carefully. We are deeply concerned by recent uncorrobotated allegations questioning the Work of the US Embassy in Kyiv and Ambassador Maxie Yovanovitch. These charges are simply wrong. ' - Two articles by John Solomon -- in The Hill over the past several weeks and echoed in other media — claim without credible evidence, that the US Embassy in Kyiv under Yovamovitch interfered in the Prosecutor General of Ukraine's ability to investigate anti-cortuption cases. Based on hearsay, the articles also claim that the ambassador criticized President Donald Tnunp in talks with Ukrainian interlocutors. There are several problems with these claima. First, Ambassador Yovanovitch is an esteemed career diplmnat Who has served both Republican and Democratic presidents. She was appointed ambassador to Ukraine by President Barack Obama. President 'George'w. Bush appointed her as ambassador to both Kyrgyzstan and mm. She has a flawless record as a diplomat. We know her well. She is a professional of the highest integrity. The second problem is that the articles evidence no familiarity with Ukrainian politics. Solomon takes the word of Ukraine's Prosecutor General at face value and describes him as a reformer. But many Ukrainian and foreign observers regard his reform record as prosecutor general as, at best, mixed. Finally, the charges that Ambassador Yovanovitch badmouthed President Trump come from a letter that then- Congressman Pete Sessions sent to Secretary of State Mike Pompeo last May. As you lmow, the Secretary took no action, presumbly because there was no evidence. - The alleged behavior attributed to Ambassador Yovanovitch axe simply foreign to her ethics and professional demeanor. But we know that there are vested interests in Ukraine clearly unhappy with _her championing the

( US government’s strong reform advocacy, and these vested interests are not above smear tactics.

If the attack on Ambassador Yovanovitch Were to gain traction, it would be an injustice against her and agaihst reformers in Uln-aine. Millions of Ukrainians took to the streets in the 2014 Maiden Revolution to bring transparency and accountability to Ukrainian politics. An alliance to sustain this mommtum 'ensued -- of civil society WGOS like the Anfi-Corruption Action Center and Transparency Internaflonal Ukraine); reformers at the mmistedal level (Like former Finance Minister Natalie Jatesko, former Finance Mnister Oleksandt Danyly'ulg Naftohaz Chief Andtiy Koholyev, and Health Minister Ulana Suprun); end the international community (including the IMF, the EBRD, the United States, and the European Union). This alliance has made it easier for the top leadership — President Poroshenko and first Prime Ministers Yatsenyuk and then Groisman — to make diffimalt reform decisions. Progress has not always been even, but the direction toward a democratically controlled Uktaine is profound.

The stories against the US Embassy and Ambassador Yomovitch were partly designed to weaken that filliance; if the alliaijice is weaker, it will be harder to take effective action against corruption. Simple justice demands that that not happen.

UNCLASSIFIED US. Department of State Case No. F-2019-06332 Doc No. 006846008 Date: 11I22i20‘19 'C O 6 8 4 6 O O 8=|ED U.S. Department of State Case No. F-2019—06332 ‘Doc No. 006846008 Date: 11222019

memeuemmausmmhmemmmmw.mmmm ofifiahhhelfiwtwhnI$-mcfmdqdm?w Wehakfowad ‘ tom ‘ihumppon Wemstfinwmpmdfingtoduchde Mmmmdmbemahnm ha wetness.

-\

FM, 1

J' I ' ~ ‘ \ \ i . \thl WU M/W ???JMK-h '

RmPuplfitk ' Imam Pintfl£h1huudeztul3huim _ H&USMEIIW

Smfifix Wm'l'nylur ' MUSAmhaud’"thfi§ne EMU: A'ihundatwll'hline

. _ J Tefft queammmum: mmmmam

cc: CWT.WWW

t UNCLASSIFIED U.S. Department of State Case No. F-2019—06332 Doc No. 006846008 Date: 11f22I2019 'CO 6 8 4 601 4=|ED U.S. Department of State Case No. F-2019—06332 Doc No. 006846014 Date: 11222019

The Hon. David Hale Under Secretary for Political Affairs 2201 C St NW Washington, DC 20520 iR-Elrfifiig 'N FUE' April 5, 2019 Dear Under Secretary Halt:

We are former US Ambassadors to Ukraine who have served under both Republican and Democratic ' presidents, and who follow events in Ukraine carefully. We are deeply concerned by recent uncorroborated allegations questioning the work of the US Embassy in Kyiv and Ambassador Marie Yovanovitch. These charges are simply wrong. Two articles by John Solomon -- in The Hill over the past several weeks and echoed in other media — claim without credible evidence, that the US Embassy in Kyiv under Yovanovitch interfered in the Prosecutor General of Ukrahe's ability to investigate anti-eormption cases. Based on hearsay, the articles also claim that I the ambassador criticized President Donald Trump in talks with Ukrainian interlocutors. There are several problems with these Clairos. First, Ambassador Yovanovitch is an esteemed career diplomat who has served both Republican and Demoetatie presidentS. She was appointed ambassador to Ukraine by President Barack Obama. President George W. Bush appointed her as ambassador to both Kytgfzstan and Armenia. She has a flawless record as a diplomat. We know her well. She is a professional of the highest hltegrity. The second problem is that the articles evidence no familiarity with Ukrainian politics. Solomon takes the word of Ukraine‘s Prosecutor General at face value and describes him as a reformer. But many Ukrainian and foreign observers regard his reform recotdnas prosecutor general as, at best, mixed. Finally, the charges that Ambassador Yovanovitch badmouthed'Pi-esident Trump come from a letter that then- Congressman Pete Sessions sent to Secretary of State Mike Pompeo last May. As you know, the Secretary took no action, presumably because there was no evidence. The alleged behavior attributed to Ambassador Yovanovitch are simply foreign to her ethics and professional demeanor. But we know that there are vested interests in Ukraine clearly unhappy with her championing the US govermnent’s strong reform advocacy, and these vested interests are not above smear tactics. If the attack on Ambassador Yovanovitch were to gain traction, it would he an hijusiice against her and against reformers in Ukraine. Millions of Ukrainians took to the streets in the 2014 Maidan Revolution to biog transparency and accountability to Ukrainian politics. An alliance to sustain this rriomentum ensued -- of civil :=.i<:>t.:ietyr (NGOs like die Anti-Comlpfion Action Center and Transparency International Ukraine); reformers at the ministedal level (like former Finance Minister Natalie Jaresko, former Finance Minister Oleksand: Danylyuk, Naftohaz Chief Andtiy Kobolyev, and Health Minister Ulana Suprun); and the international community (hieluding the IMF, the EBRD; the United States, and the European Union). This alliance has made it easier for the top leadership H President Poroshenko and first Prime Ministers Yamenyalt and then Groisrnan - to make difficult reform decisions. Progress has not always been even, but the direction toward a ' democratically controlled Ukraine is profound.

The stories against the US Embassy and Ambassador Yovanovitch were partly designed to weaken that alliance; if the alliance is weaker, it will be harder to take effective action against corruption. Simple justice demands that that not happen.

J 1

UNCLASSIFIED US. Department of State Case No. F-20'19-06332 Doc No. 006846014 Date: 11022019 CO 6 8 4 6 O 1 4F|ED U.S. Department of State Case No. F-2019-06332 Doc No. 006846014 Date: 11!22!2019

lehmeflowingflmemcksmaUSemhmflwhflwfiddwmudfihmammwm officiekiaflteifimntmkmvhmafmde ' wemw cohmi _Ihflflppofl - Wemlhuwmpmmhingsbmm Mmmedmbemflmmtm mm

FM, \ ‘ x \. '\ k ‘ : i .' \lthv‘” M ffymeé-«fig _A?‘\J\.h— . ,1 MW johnl-Iuhg muammmum fifihUSWflum!m

SmenPit‘ex‘ , ' mam MUSAmhasmf"mUhninc - SMUE A'mmm

Cudt-Pueual J Tefit Fmvammwum - ‘ meuamummum

QEWT.WWW

UNCLASSIFIED US. Department of State Case NO. F-2019-O6332 Doc No. (306846014 Date: 1192:2019 1C0 6 8 4 5 9 9 5F|ED US. Department of State Case No. F-2019-06332 Doc No. 006845995 Date: 1112212019

The Hon. David Hale Under Secretary for Political Affairs 2201 C St NW Washington, DC 20520 1:53?“EB April 5, 2019 Dear Under Secretary Hale: ‘ I— I

We are former US Ambassadors to Ukraine who have served under both Republican and Democratic presidents, and who follow events in Ukraine carefully. We are deeply concerned by recent uncottobOtated allegations questioning the work of the US Embassy in Kyiv and Ambassador Manic Yovanovitch. These charges are simply wrong. Two articles by john Solomon - in The Hill over the past several weeks and echoed in other media — claim without credible evidence, that the US Embassy in Kyiv under Yomovitch interfered in the Prosecutor General of Ukraine’s ability to investigate anti-coetuption cases. Based on hearsay, the articles also claim that the ambasaadoe criticized President Donald Tmmp in talks with Ukraiifian interlocutors. There are several problems with these claims.

First, Ambassador Yovanovitch is an esteemed career diplomat who has served both Republican and Democratic presidents. She was appointed ambassador to Ukraine by President Barack Obama. President George W. Bush appointed her as ambassador to bofl'i Kyrgyzstan and Amenia. She has a flawleSS record as a diplomat. We know her well. She is a professional of the highest integrity.

The second problem is that the articles evidence no familiaeity with Ukrainian polities. Solemon takes the word of Ukraine's Prosecutor Genetal at face value and describes him as a reformer. But many Ukrainian and foreign observers regard his reform record as prosecutor general as, at best. mixed. Finally, the chaxges that Ambassador YovanOVitch badmouthed President Trump come from a letter that then- Cmgressman Pete Sessions sent to Secretary of State Mike Pompeo last May. As you know, the Secretary took no action, presmnably because there was no evidence. The alleged behavior attributed to Ambassador Yovanovitch are simply foreign to he: ethics and professional demeanor. But we know that there are vested interests in Ukraine clearly unhappy with her championing the US government’s strong reform advocacy, and these vested interests are not above smear tactics. If the attack on Ambassador Yovanoviteh were to gain traction, it would be an injustice against her and against reformers in Ukraine. Millions of Ukrainians took to the streets in the 2014 Maidan Revohition to being transparency and accountability to Ukrainian politics. An alliance to sustain this momentum emued -- of civil societyr (NGOS like the Anti-Corruption Action Center and Transparency International Ukraine); refomiers at the ministerial level (like former Finance Minister Natalie Jatesko, former Finance Minister Oleksand: Danyiyuk, Naftohaz Chief Amid); Kobolyev, and Health Minister Uiana Supmn); and the international community (including the IMF, the EBRD, the United States, and the European Union). This alliance has made it easier for the top leadership — President Poroshenko and first Prime Ministers Yamenyuk and then Groisman ~ to make difficult reform decisions. Progress has not always been even, but the direction toward a democratically controLied Lfltraine is profound. ,

The stories against the US Embassy and Ambassador Yovanovitch were partly designed to-weaken that alliance; if the alliance is weaker, it will be harder to take effective action against comption. Simple justice demands that that not happen.

UNCLASSIFIED US. Department of State Case No. F-2019-06332 Doc No. C06845995 Date: 1112212019 C O 6 8 4 5 9 95|FIED US. Department of State Case No. F-2019-06332 Doc No. (306845995 Date: 1112212019

/ FutberfilewhgthecemduemUSWhmMmsmm'eMMb-nm ofifikkfiemwtmsfiemdmdflumw ‘ mmw mm _I'hltnwflfl Wemhmmpfuehinetoflum Rnwemdmhemdmwufmmm

Fireman}; _ i ., x x, k . s . \ ;\k.¢\’\'{

,1 Ram ’ jahnfiuhsl - finiUfih‘tWtoUh-ahae H&USWMmIMe

Seventies ‘ ' Miami’nyta: . MUSWM“NUW Sixth“ fi‘mmm

Cudtrfiml 1 .Tefi't FMUJWOOM: - meuammm

oemtmrkhBe-ehbnhl

UNCLASSIFIED US. Department of State Case No. F-2019-06332 Doc No. 006845995 Date: 11f22r’2019