Mr. Giuliani replied that he would travel to Spain from August 1 to 5, and Ambassador Volker affirmed that he would tell the Ukrainian presidential aide to "visit with you there."721 Ambassador Volker kept himself apprised of plans, texting Mr. Yermak on August 1 to ensure that everything was "on track" for the meeting in Spain's capital. He also asked whether Mr. Yermak planned to visit Washington.722
On August 2, Mr. Yermak and Mr. Giuliani met in Madrid.723 Ambassador Volker received a meeting summary from Mr. Yermak the same day: "My meeting with Mr. Mayor was very good." Mr. Yermak added: "We asked for White House meeting during week start [sic] 16 Sept. Waiting for confirmation. Maybe you know the date?"724
The Madrid meeting set off a "series of discussions" among Mr. Giuliani, Ambassador Volker, and Ambassador Sondland about the need for President Zelensky to issue a public statement about the investigations into Burisma and the 2016 election conspiracy theory in order to secure a White House meeting with President Trump.725 Ambassador Volker first spoke to Mr. Giuliani, who said that he thought Ukraine "should issue a statement."726 Ambassador Volker then spoke to Mr. Yermak, who affirmed that the Ukrainian leader was "prepared to make a statement" that "would reference Burisma and 2016 in a wider context of bilateral relations and rooting out corruption anyway."727
Mr. Giuliani, acting as President Trump's personal attorney, exerted significant influence in the process. On August 4, Mr. Yermak inquired again about the presidential meeting. Ambassador Volker replied that he would speak with Mr. Giuliani later that day and would call the Ukrainian aide afterward.728 Ambassador Volker texted the former mayor about the Madrid meeting and asked for a phone call. Mr. Giuliani replied: "It was excellent I can call a little later."729
Phone records obtained by the Committees show a 16 minute call on August 5 between Ambassador Volker and Mr. Giuliani.730 Ambassador Volker texted Mr. Yermak: "Hi Andrey—had a good long talk w Rudy—call anytime—Kurt."731 During the same period, Ambassador Volker informed Ambassador Sondland that "Giuliani was happy with that meeting," and "it looks like things are turning around."732
"Potus Really Wants the Deliverable" Before Scheduling a White House Visit for President Zelensky
Things had not turned around by August 7. Ambassador Volker texted Mr. Giuliani to recommend that he report to "the boss"—President Trump—about his meeting with Mr. Yermak in Madrid. He wrote:
Hi Rudy—hope you made it back safely. Let's meet if you are coming to DC. And would be good if you could convey results of your meeting in Madrid to the boss so we can get a firm date for a visit.733
The Committees did not find evidence that Mr. Giuliani responded to Ambassador Volker's text message.
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