Media: Ukrainian authorities hire lobbyists in the U.S. to back Bill 8371

Washington. Photo: tripzaza.com

Recently, Ukrainian structures have hired a number of firms and individuals associated with the Republican Party for lobbying activities in the USA. The fact that Ukrainian organizations are hiring these structures is also indicated by information from the U.S. Department of Justice and reports in the American media. This was reported by "Strana.ua", citing its sources in the political circles of Ukraine.

"Judging by the activity of lobbying structures, one of the directions of their activities is 'advocating' for the bill banning the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, which apparently is a response to statements by several American politicians and journalists about persecution of religious freedoms in Ukraine, as well as to the activity in the information sphere of the UOC's lawyer, renowned American lawyer Robert Amsterdam," the publication states.

It is reported that the non-governmental organization from Ukraine, Kyiv Global Outreach, hired a well-known lobbying firm from Washington DCI Group. As noted by O’Dwyer’s, this company has strong ties to the U.S. Republican Party.

"The contract is valid from February 26th until the end of the year. Its cost is $3.6 million. Managing partner of DCI Justin Peterson, who worked on the presidential campaigns of Elizabeth Dole and George W. Bush, heads the Ukrainian direction," the publication writes.

According to "Strana", one of the key goals of such lobbying activities in the US is to promote bill No. 8371, which receives critical reviews from representatives of the Republican Party of the States. For this purpose, hired lobbyists plan to launch websites and other information resources in the U.S. with corresponding content.

According to sources from the publication in the political circles of Ukraine, behind this company are Ukrainian authorities who are thus attempting, among other things, to solve the task of "advocating" in the American establishment and media for the bill banning the UOC, which is currently being considered in the Rada.

"In this regard, it is noteworthy that Kyiv Global Outreach has hired another lobbying firm, Madison Strategies LLC, whose website states that it provides consulting services 'for conservative candidates and situations across the US.' In the files of the U.S. Ministry of Justice filled out by this firm, it is stated that they plan to distribute informational materials in the interests of the client, including running websites and social media pages. <...> The lobbyists call their mission 'protecting the right to peacefully practice Christianity in the chosen church and defending religious freedom from Russian aggression in Ukraine,'" the publication says.

"Strana" notes that negative reviews of the bill banning the UOC are often heard in the US. Moreover, they are usually expressed by representatives of the Republican Party or individuals associated with them. For example, this was stated by Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene. Also, active work is being carried out by the lawyer of the UOC, renowned American lawyer Robert Amsterdam, partner of the law firm Amsterdam & Partners LLP.

According to sources from "Strana", to respond to criticism of the bill and to "persuade" Republicans on this issue, structures from Ukraine have hired lobbyists.

"But it is still unclear how successful their activities will be," the publication concludes.

As the UOJ reported, American human rights activist Rob Amsterdam believes that the Ukrainian authorities are trying to make a show of religious tolerance before the U.S. government.

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