Russian ambassador nominee says he believes Rudy Giuliani was part of a 'campaign' against ex-Ukrainian ambassador

Deputy Secretary of State John Sullivan did not demur when facing what appeared to be significant line of questioning during his Senate confirmation hearing for the role of U.S. ambassador to Russia on Wednesday.

During the hearing, Sullivan admitted to Sen. Bob Menendez (D-N.J.) that he was aware there was a "campaign against" former U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine Marie Yovanovitch and he believed President Trump's personal lawyer Rudy Giuliani was one of the people behind it.

Sullivan also told lawmakers he was aware of a packet which has previously been said to contain "propaganda" and "disinformation" targeting Yovanovitch, who was ousted in April, that was sent to the State Department, saying he didn't think it provided a "basis for us taking action against our ambassador." Still, he said he didn't, at the time, speak up in support of Yovanovitch, and instead passed the packet along to the State Department inspector general as a precaution. Sullivan told Menendez he was not aware if Giuliani was behind the packet, but his overall candidness wasn't a great look for the former New York City mayor, either way. Read more at The Hill. Tim O'Donnell

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