On July 20, 2019, the Republican Party’s candidate for President of the United States, Donald Trump, announced to the public that he had a phone conversation with Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky. This news has sparked interest and controversy in both the United States and Ukraine.
According to Trump, the phone call was «perfectly fine and respectful» and focused on «the issue of corruption». He also mentioned that Zelensky was “very, very strongly” in favor of “cleaning up corruption” in his country. The call lasted approximately 30 minutes and was initiated by Trump.
This conversation between the two leaders has raised concerns, as it came at a time when the United States was withholding military aid to Ukraine. The aid, which amounted to nearly $400 million, was eventually released in September after a whistleblower report brought attention to the phone call and raised questions about whether Trump had pressured Zelensky to investigate his political rival, Joe Biden, and his son, Hunter Biden.
While Trump has denied any wrongdoing and has repeatedly called the phone call «perfect», the House of Representatives launched an impeachment inquiry into the matter. The inquiry is focused on determining whether Trump abused his power by withholding aid in exchange for personal political gain.
This phone call has also become a topic of discussion in the 2020 US Presidential elections. Many of Trump’s opponents have criticized him for involving a foreign leader in US politics and for using his position for personal gain. On the other hand, Trump’s supporters argue that the phone call was in line with his promises to fight corruption and that there was no evidence of any wrongdoing.
In Ukraine, the phone call has also caused a stir. Zelensky, who is a former comedian and political newcomer, has been trying to establish himself as a strong leader and distance himself from any involvement in US politics. However, the phone call has put him in the spotlight and has been viewed by some as a test of his loyalty to the US.
The Ukrainian President has not made any public statements about the phone call, but his office released a brief statement saying that the conversation was «friendly and constructive». Zelensky has also expressed his desire to have a good relationship with the United States and has requested a meeting with Trump in Washington.
Some experts believe that the phone call between Trump and Zelensky could have significant implications for both countries. It could potentially affect the US-Ukraine relationship and the upcoming US elections.
In conclusion, the phone call between Trump and Zelensky has become a highly debated topic with far-reaching consequences. While the details of the conversation are still unclear, it has already influenced both domestic and international affairs. As the impeachment inquiry unfolds and the 2020 US elections approach, the impact of this phone call will continue to be felt.
