Ukraine texts shock

Top Republican linked to scandal on eve of impeachment trial

NEW documents released by US House Democrats suggest Devin Nunes, the top Republican on the House Intelligence Committee, was more deeply involved than previously known in efforts by allies of President Donald Trump to dig up dirt in Ukraine on former vice president Joe Biden.

Democrats on the Intelligence Committee released a trove of text messages, photos and other documents as part of the impeachment inquiry.

The materials were provided to the House by Lev Parnas, a Florida businessman who worked with Mr Trump’s personal lawyer Rudy Giuliani to try to persuade the Ukrainian government to launch an investigation into Mr Biden.

Mr Nunes initially denied knowing Mr Parnas, but has since been forced to admit the two had spoken. The documents show about 100 text messages traded over months between Mr Parnas and the California Republican’s staffer Derek Harvey, a retired US Army colonel.

Mr Harvey previously served at the White House on Mr Trump’s National Security Council.

The months-long effort directed by Mr Trump and Mr

Giuliani to prod Ukrainian officials to launch an investigation into Mr Biden and his son Hunter’s business dealings in Ukraine is at the core of the two impeachment articles against Mr Trump passed last month in a largely party-line vote.

The non-partisan Government Accountability Office ruled on Thursday that the White House broke the law last summer when it withheld congressionally authorised security assistance to Ukraine, essential aid that Democrats allege was being held hostage pending the announcement of the investigations Mr Trump sought.

Mr Parnas and his business partner Igor Fruman were indicted last year on charges of conspiracy, making false statements and falsification of records. The men have pleaded not guilty.