Report: Sen. Johnson meeting with Ukrainian official highlights proximity to impeachment investigation

MADISON, Wis. (CBS 58) -- Senator Ron Johnson met with a Ukrainian diplomat a few weeks before President Donald Trump held a phone call with that country’s president which has since sparked an impeachment inquiry.

The story was first reported by the Washington Post.

According to the Washington Post, Johnson met with Andrii Telizhenko in July while the former Ukrainian diplomat was visiting Washington, D.C. The two discussed a theory that claims that the Ukrainian government colluded with the Hillary Clinton Campaign in 2016. That theory – which is also pursued by President Trump – has no evidence backing it up.

The meeting occurred just weeks before President Trump had his phone call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, where Trump asked for the favor of an investigation into the Biden family.

It also highlights the Wisconsin senator’s proximity to events that could be important in the impeachment investigation.

Johnson is the chairman of the Senate’s Homeland Security Committee and the Foreign Relations Subcommittee on Europe and Regional Security Cooperation as well as vice chair of the Senate Ukraine Caucus. He has long been involved with U.S.-Ukrainian relations and a strong supporter of aid to the country to protect American interests.

Johnson is also a vocal supporter of President Trump and has backed the president’s position in regards to the Ukraine investigation.

But as the impeachment inquiry continues, Johnson may be a key figure in the investigation because of his closeness to the issue.

CBS 58 reached out to Sen. Johnson’s office for comment to the Washington Post story but did not immediately get a reply.