(UTV|COLOMBO) – An official who heard a call between US President Donald Trump and Ukraine’s president says he was concerned by Mr Trump’s “demand” to scrutinise a rival.
Alexander Vindman told Congress he twice reported his objections to Mr Trump pressuring Ukraine to investigate leading US Democrat Joe Biden.
Col Vindman is the first White House official who heard the call to testify as part of the impeachment inquiry.
The inquiry concerns alleged abuse of power by the Republican president.
Col Vindman, a decorated army veteran, was among select officials who were authorised to listen in on Mr Trump’s 25 July call with newly elected Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, which sparked a whistleblower complaint and led to the impeachment probe.
Mr Trump is accused of trying to pressure Ukraine into investigating unsubstantiated corruption claims against Mr Biden and his son, who worked with Ukrainian gas company Burisma while his father was the US vice-president.
Mr Trump has denied wrongdoing and called the impeachment inquiry a “witch hunt”.
Though the White House has called on witnesses to disregard congressional subpoenas, as an active-duty military officer, Col Vindman could have faced sanction for doing so.
What did Col Vindman say?
In an opening statement released ahead of Tuesday’s testimony, Col Vindman said his worries began at a 10 July meeting between US and Ukrainian national security officials.
The meeting was cut short by then-National Security Adviser John Bolton when talk arose of Ukraine opening investigations for the White House, Col Vindman said. (BBC)
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