Published 06:52 IST, November 3rd 2019
Trump to invite his Ukranian counterpart Zelenskyy to White House
Donald Trump on Saturday, Nov 2, stated that he is willing to invite his Ukranian counterpart Volodymyr Zelenskyy to the White House in Washington for talks.
The President of the United States of America (POTUS) Donald Trump on Saturday, November 2, stated that he is willing to invite his Ukranian counterpart Volodymyr Zelenskyy to the White House in Washington, US for talks. POTUS Trump addressing journalists before his departure to New York stated that he would “certainly” invite his Ukranian counterpart. Provided if the Ukranian President wanted to come.
Allegations levelled against Trump
In September, the United States House Democrats launched an impeachment inquiry on the basis of a complaint from a whistleblower that alleged that the POTUS might have abused his power by allegedly pressuring the Ukranian President during a phone that took place on July 25. The phone call was to investigate potential corrupt activities by former Vice President of the US Joe Biden and his son Hunter Biden. The Bidens have said Trump's allegations are unfounded. Earlier this week, Trump said in an interview with an international publication that he wanted to "read out loud" to the people of the US the transcript of his telephone conversations with Zelenskyy. The transcript has already been released after approval was received from Ukraine.
A National Security Council aide testified on October 31, that a senior diplomat who was also close to US President Trump and informed him about the military assistance package for Ukraine. The package was prohibited from release until Ukraine committed to investigate on former Vice President, Joe Biden's son Hunter Biden. The ongoing impeachment probe revolves around the misuse of power by President Trump who asked the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky to start an inquiry on the government's political rival in exchange for armed assistance.
'No blackmail'
President of Ukraine Zelenskiy had earlier said that there was “no blackmail” in the controversial phone call with the President of United States Donald Trump. The topic is the centre of an official impeachment enquiry against the US leader. While responding to the questions of an international agency, the Ukranian President said that it was only after the conversation on July 25 did he learn that the US had blocked hundreds of millions of dollars in military aid to Ukraine. Further, the Ukranian President said that the phone call will be followed by an in-person meeting with Donald Trump, and wanted him to visit Ukraine. Reportedly, President Zelenskiy is hosting a “press-marathon” to answer the escalating questions on his actions as a country leader.
Updated 07:35 IST, November 3rd 2019