White House Impeachment Inquiry: Aide confirms signs of govt favours

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. 

'Nothing Political'

Timothy Morrison, the former security adviser has confirmed in his testimony during a closed-door investigation that it was not his concern if anything illegal was being discussed between Trump and the Ukrainian leader. However, since he also told the House impeachment investigators that he did not think the discussion was wrong, President Trump praised him for his honesty and claims that Democrats do not want to see the truth. The US President has repeatedly called the entire impeachment process as an 'illegitimate sham'

Furthermore, he reportedly also told the investigators that he was advised by former White House official Fiona Hill to stay away from the Ukraine policy being pursued by President Trump's attorney, Rudy Giuliani. Morrison, who resigned a day before his appearance at the court, also said that the Trump-appointed ambassador had proposed a quid pro quo in which the security money which will be allocated by congress will be provided to the Ukrainian government only if they proceeded with their request in return.

Read - Lawyer Indicates Bolton Won’t Testify In Impeachment Probe

Morrison's testimony in synergy with Taylor's 

Morrison's testimony has given the statement in synergy with Taylor who said that the National Security Advisor had briefed him on the chain of communications which involved leaders of both the countries. Taylor also testified on October 22 that a top Russia and Europe expert had informed him in September of a meeting between Sondland and a senior aide to President Zelenskiy. Sondland told the Ukrainian aide that the US would only provide a package of $391 million for security assistance if Ukranian President committed to launching an inquiry on the allegations related to former Vice President's son.

Read - 2 Dems Who Broke Ranks On Impeachment Decry Partisan Process

President Zelenskiy denies blackmail

President of Ukraine Volodymyr 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.

Read - Democrats Push Impeachment Inquiry Package Through Both Houses

The first official vote on Thursday

The new possible witnesses are being summoned to the court as the House of investigators are preparing to take the first official vote on Thursday. Furthermore, the next step in the impeachment inquiry will be a public hearing which is in a matter of weeks and then the drafting of articles of impeachment for the removal of President Trump. While the White House has been urging the officials to not testify in the impeachment proceedings, there is still uncertainty about the people who would appear in the court for depositions even after receiving subpoenas. 

Read - Impeachment Inquiry Focuses On White House Lawyers

(With inputs from agencies)