November 21, 2019


Diplomat says Ukraine leader couldn’t get a White House invite — unless he announced probes

Ambassador Gordon Sondland said administration officials were aware of the pressure on Ukraine for investigations that could damage President Trump’s political foes. A Defense Department official also gave new details that linked a hold on aid to a key July 25 phone call.
Sondland undercuts GOP defenses 2:42
(Video: The Washington Post; photo: Matt McClain/The Post)

Sondland’s bombshell testimony leaves Trump’s GOP allies scrambling

The bombshell testimony alleging that the president attempted to leverage an invite for the Ukrainian president in exchange for an investigation into his political opponents forced the White House to quickly recalibrate its defense of the president’s actions.
The Take
Analysis

Sondland’s dramatic testimony shakes the impeachment debate and undercuts the president

In clear and unequivocal language, the E.U. ambassador implicated President Trump and other senior officials in the effort to pressure Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.


November 20, 2019


‘Comes down to one guy’: In impeachment probe, all eyes turn to Gordon Sondland

The U.S. ambassador to the European Union, who is set to publicly testify Wednesday, could solidify the case against President Trump, though doing so would require that he revise his previous testimony or acknowledge significant omissions.
Activists gather outside the Ukrainian president’s office on Oct. 29 to protest the withdrawal of Ukrainian forces in the Luhansk region. (Getty Images)
Activists gather outside the Ukrainian president’s office on Oct. 29 to protest the withdrawal of Ukrainian forces in the Luhansk region. (Getty Images)

U.S. military aid bolsters Ukraine’s front lines, but the Trump drama makes Kyiv nervous

President Trump’s hold on aid did not seriously disrupt Ukraine’s military. The real fallout has been one of perception among Ukrainian officials and others — the worry that the White House cannot always be counted on to be in Kyiv’s corner.

Trump said his Ukraine call was ‘perfect.’ Witnesses testified otherwise.

Three current and former Trump administration officials described how they harbored a variety of concerns surrounding the July phone call.
The Fix
Analysis

Volker makes a big correction, and other takeaways from today’s testimony

Alexander Vindman, Jennifer Williams, Kurt Volker and Tim Morrison begin a hectic week of impeachment hearings.