Diplomats Warned About Withholding Ukraine Aid

In newly disclosed text messages shared with Congress, U.S Special Envoy to Ukraine Kurt Volker at the time wrote to a group of other American diplomats that “I think it’s crazy to withhold security assistance for help with a political campaign,” ABC News reports.

“In the exchange, the concerns are expressed by Bill Taylor, the top U.S. diplomat to Ukraine. Gordon Sondland, the United States Ambassador to the European Union, responds to Taylor, saying, ‘Bill, I believe you are incorrect about President Trump’s intentions. The President has been crystal clear: no quid pro quo’s of any kind. The President is trying to evaluate whether Ukraine is truly going to adopt the transparency and reforms that President Zelensky promised during his campaign.'”

“Sondland then suggests to the group take the conversations off line, typing ‘I suggest we stop the back and forth by text.’ It’s unclear if the conversation continues.”