Biden Suppresses Intel on Ukrainian Officials’ Worries Over Family’s ‘Corrupt’ Business Connections
Newly Declassified CIA Documents Reveal Biden’s Request to Keep Ukrainian Concerns Private
Biden’s Involvement in Withholding a Critical Intelligence Report
In 2015, then-Vice President Joe Biden expressed a strong preference for not disseminating an intelligence report documenting concerns from Ukrainian officials about his family’s alleged involvement in corrupt business deals. The report was subsequently withheld from public distribution, according to newly declassified emails and records released by the CIA. The documents, declassified by CIA Director John Ratcliffe, highlight what he described as a “politicization of intelligence.”
Details of the Withheld Intelligence Report
The declassified documents, obtained by Emegypt, include a heavily redacted email dated February 10, 2016, with the subject line “RE: OVP query regarding draft [REDACTED].” The email indicates Biden’s reluctance to share the report, a move considered unusual by CIA officials. The withheld report exposed that Ukrainian officials perceived the Biden family’s alleged business associations as indicative of a double standard in the U.S. government regarding corruption.
The CIA’s Perspective on the Intelligence Report
According to a senior CIA official, the report was ready for dissemination but was not shared due to the Vice President’s preferences at the time. The report, which highlights reactions from Ukrainian officials following a December 2015 visit by Biden to Kiev, offers insights into the political climate and U.S.-Ukraine relations under the Obama administration. The visit reportedly left Ukrainian officials disappointed, as they had expected discussions on personnel matters, which did not occur.
Backdrop of Biden’s Influence in Ukrainian Affairs
Biden’s involvement in Ukraine during his vice presidency was significant, especially concerning Ukrainian prosecutor Viktor Shokin. Shokin’s investigation into Burisma Holdings, where Biden’s son Hunter was a board member, was halted after Biden pressured Ukrainian authorities to remove Shokin. Biden reportedly threatened to withhold $1 billion in U.S. aid to Ukraine unless Shokin was fired, a move Biden later recounted during a 2018 event for the Council on Foreign Relations.
Implications for U.S. Political Dynamics
While the newly declassified documents cast light on past events, they also hold current political implications. The handling of the intelligence report has been cited by Director Ratcliffe as an example of intelligence politicization. The disclosure of these documents coincides with ongoing scrutiny of President Biden’s past actions and dealings in Ukraine, especially during the House of Representatives’ impeachment inquiry into his conduct.
Commitment to Transparency
Director Ratcliffe’s decision to declassify these documents was driven by a commitment to transparency and avoidance of future politicization of intelligence. The CIA remains vigilant about protecting its sources and methods through redactions, underscoring the delicate balance between transparency and national security.
The revelations from these declassified documents add another layer to the narrative surrounding U.S. politics and foreign policy, emphasizing the importance of accountability and transparency in governmental affairs.
