Ukrainian Foreign Minister Vadym Prystaiko has denied reports that President Trump pressured Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to investigate former Vice President Joe Biden’s son.
“I know what the conversation was about and I think there was no pressure,” Prystaiko was quoted as saying in news outlet Hromadske.
“There was talk, conversations are different, leaders have the right to discuss any problems that exist. This conversation was long, friendly, and it touched on a lot of questions, including those requiring serious answers,” he added. {mosads}
He also blamed “misinformation” and “evil intentions” for “speculations” that Ukraine would have preferred Hillary Clinton to be president.
The Wall Street Journal reported Friday that Trump repeatedly urged Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to investigate Biden during a July phone call. Trump reportedly told Zelensky to work with his s personal attorney Rudy Giuliani on the matter about eight times.
Trump’s communication with Ukraine came under scrutiny after an intelligence whistleblower filed a complaint regarding the situation.
The U.S. president on Friday told reporters that his contact with foreign leaders is “always appropriate.“
“I have conversations with many leaders. It’s always appropriate. Always appropriate,” he said. “At the highest level always appropriate. And anything I do, I fight for this country.”