Unsealed Epstein files reveal private dealings and Davos networking with Ukrainian elite

Documents released by the US Department of Justice concerning Jeffrey Epstein, the orchestrator of a high-profile sex trafficking ring, have revealed numerous references to prominent figures in Ukrainian politics.

While a significant portion of the records consists of media clippings and news aggregators, certain sections contain direct personal correspondence and internal assessments.

The name of former Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko appeared in private communications between Epstein and an unidentified individual. In a message evaluating the 2019 Ukrainian elections, which resulted in a victory for Volodymyr Zelenskyy, one note stated: “The Russians hate Poroshenko; this could help resolve the conflict. However, I have no idea if he [Zelenskyy] can run the country.”

The name of the current president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, appears approximately 70 times in the files under various spellings.

While many of these entries are news summaries, a specific dialogue dated June 10, 2019—in which the identities of the correspondents were redacted—included the notable phrase: “I will be with Zelenskyy this Thursday.”

In another 2019 exchange between Epstein and former US Treasury Secretary Larry Summers, the two discussed contacts regarding Ukraine. Epstein noted that Ukraine was “looking for advice,” adding that “Zelenskyy is seeking help.”

In the same correspondence, it was reported that Russian President Vladimir Putin had used disparaging language regarding Zelenskyy, allegedly claiming he was “governed by Israelis.” Summers responded to the outreach by expressing his willingness to discuss the matter, citing his experience with the Pinchuk Foundation conferences and the restructuring of Ukrainian debt.

Former Prime Minister and President Viktor Yanukovych appears more than 40 times in the documents, though most references are derived from news sources.

However, a January 2011 exchange between Epstein and Boris Nikolic—an investor and former advisor to Bill Gates—discussed the “Ukraine Lunch” event at Davos, which Yanukovych was scheduled to attend. Nikolic, who was later named as a potential successor in Epstein’s will, forwarded an invitation to Epstein for the event, which was also expected to feature then-Polish President Bronislaw Komorowski and George Soros.

In his message, Nikolic asked: “Do you recommend I go? There will be a lot of Ukrainians there. I think you should go to Davos. I agree that a lot of time is wasted there, but there are interesting meetings and people.”

Epstein replied: “Let’s go to Ukraine together.” Nikolic noted he would head directly to Davos “to meet all the important Ukrainians there,” adding a suggestive comment: “I’m not sure there is an important sector there except one ;).”

The pair also discussed how Epstein, who lacked an invitation, could attend the forum. Nikolic emphasized that the most critical meetings occurred outside the main platform and could be facilitated without an entry pass.

Yanukovych’s name further appeared in a letter from illusionist David Blaine. In a letter to an undisclosed recipient, Blaine recounted performing “private magic shows” for figures such as Yanukovych and former US presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush.

Former Ukrainian Prime Minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk appeared only once in the files, within a copy of a news report regarding the events of 2014.

Former President Viktor Yushchenko was identified in two documents: an FBI file concerning businessman Tim Draper, which referenced a meeting between Draper and Yushchenko to discuss sanctions against Russia, and an article by Francis Fukuyama found in Epstein’s archives.

The names of former Prime Minister Leonid Kuchma, former Head of the Presidential Office Andriy Yermak, former Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko, and Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko appeared exclusively in press summaries and news digests.

Ukraine was also a subject in commercial and investment-oriented correspondence. In 2019, exchanges with George Mantzavinatos, a senior Greek executive who took over the asset management firm QRES, discussed a potential deal within the Ukrainian banking sector. Mantzavinatos forwarded a document to Epstein concerning the then-CEO of Piraeus Bank in Ukraine.

In an email dated September 26, 2014, titled “Hedge Fund Interview. Round Two,” an unidentified individual asked Epstein: “What will the collapse in the ruble mean? How will the [conflict] in Ukraine affect the value of Ukrainian and Russian bonds?” The message also referenced the New York-based hedge fund Field Street.

Sections of the documents also included notes on the travel and visa status of Ukrainian nationals. One questionnaire sent to Epstein noted: “She doesn’t have a visa, but since she is Ukrainian, she can travel visa-free in Europe.”

Another communication shared a photograph of a 20-year-old woman, accompanied by information provided by the Paris-based casting agency Mademoiselle Agency.