Emails brought to light by the Daily Caller indicate that Ukrainian gas company “Burisma” was instructed to remove a photograph featuring former Vice President Joe Biden and Devon Archer, an associate of the Biden family. The details have emerged amidst ongoing investigation into the relationship between the Biden family and the Ukrainian energy giant.
On May 13, 2014, Eric Schwerin from Rosemont Seneca Partners contacted Devon Archer and Hunter Biden about a photo of Devon and the Vice President that was posted on Burisma’s website. Demetra, the VP Counsel, was uncomfortable with the image, which appeared to be an endorsement, and requested its removal.
Archer responded, confirming that Hunter received the call and the photo had been taken down without proper authorization. Eric Schwerin expressed his intention to inform the concerned parties about the photo’s removal.
Also on that day, Schwerin emailed Hunter again regarding a Politico article which discussed Hunter joining the board of Ukraine’s largest private gas producer. Schwerin brought up concerns raised by Demetra about the company being connected to Cyprus and a potential ownership by a Cypriot entity named “Brociti Investments.”
He also mentioned Vice President Joe Biden’s impending visit to Cyprus. Hunter clarified that the company is merely registered in Cyprus. Additionally, Hunter inquired if there were further questions raised at the office regarding the topic after a daily briefing query.
Schwerin also shared the Politico article detailing Hunter’s addition to the gas board in Ukraine and his responsibilities in the company. The article further outlined the political tensions between Ukraine, Russia, and the U.S.
In a recent interview on Tucker Carlson’s show, Devon Archer discussed Viktor Shokin, the former chief prosecutor of Ukraine. Archer stated, “Shokin was considered a threat to the business…. I think anyone in government is always a threat and always trying to shake down these businesses that were highly successful…And so at the end of the day, Shokin was taking a look”.
Archer, further elaborating on Shokin’s actions, revealed that Shokin had “seized assets of [Mykola Zlochevsky], including a house, several cars, and a couple of properties.” Following these events, Zlochevsky, the founder of Burisma, never returned to Ukraine.
Devon Archer to Tucker Carlson: "Shokin was considered a threat to the business…. I think anyone in government is always a threat and always trying to shake down these businesses that were highly successful…And so at the end of the day, Shokin was taking a look" @DailyCaller https://t.co/LNhZnzMwAO
— James Lynch (@jameslynch32) August 4, 2023
Historical data corroborates Archer’s account. Ukrainian media had previously reported that on February 2, 2016, the Prosecutor General’s Office (PGO), under Shokin’s leadership, seized Zlochevsky’s property. This aggressive action against Burisma’s founder occurred not long before significant political developments in Ukraine.
White House archives confirm that then-Vice President Joe Biden met with Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko on February 11, 2016. By February 19, Ukrainian media reported Poroshenko’s confirmation of Shokin’s resignation as the chief prosecutor.
Joe Biden met with Ukrainian President Poroshenko on Feb. 11, 2016, according to White House archives. Poroshenko confirmed Shokin's resignation on Feb. 19, 2016, Ukrainian media reported. pic.twitter.com/3ZERXhlg8B
— James Lynch (@jameslynch32) August 4, 2023
Archer testified this July before the House Oversight Committee revealing that Joe Biden often conversed with his son’s business associates. Contrary to President Biden’s past statements, Archer depicted these conversations as casual exchanges.
Archer also emphasized the importance of the Biden “brand” to Burisma’s survival, suggesting that the company would’ve faced threats without the protective cover of the Biden family name.
The Oversight Committee is investigating whether the Biden family leveraged their influence inappropriately in Hunter’s business ventures. The White House has repeatedly denied these claims. However, with Archer’s statements, the GOP has been intensifying their inquiry.