The Daily A ‘Crazy’ Plan: How U.S. Diplomats Discussed the Pressure on Ukraine
Oct 7, 2019
Julian E. Barnes, a national security reporter for The New York Times, offers deep insights into the impeachment inquiry's unfolding tale. He discusses the critical testimony from diplomat Kurt Volker and the revelation of text messages that illuminate U.S. diplomatic pressures on Ukraine. The conversation delves into the intricate dynamics of U.S.-Ukraine relations and the pressures faced amid geopolitical tensions. Barnes highlights the ethical dilemmas of conditioning aid on political inquiries, unraveling the complexities of modern diplomacy.
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Volker's Testimony
- Kurt Volker, a respected diplomat and former ambassador to NATO, testified for nine hours in the impeachment inquiry.
- He provided text messages revealing discussions with Ukrainian officials and Rudy Giuliani.
Key Players
- Volker's text messages revealed a cast of characters involved in the Ukraine negotiations, including U.S. diplomats and a Ukrainian advisor.
- These messages highlighted the involvement of Gordon Sondland, the U.S. ambassador to the EU, and Rudy Giuliani.
Pre-Call Maneuvering
- Text messages from July 19th show Volker connecting Giuliani with a Ukrainian advisor.
- Volker's texts emphasize the importance of Zelensky's commitment to investigations.