Ukraine president says Trump didn't seek to blackmail him

Sergei SUPINSKY / AFP

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy denied that his US counterpart tried to blackmail him into investigating Joe Biden during a phone call in July.

Zelenskiy told reporters that his aim was to arrange a subsequent meeting and that he had asked the White House to change its rhetoric on Ukraine.

"There was no blackmail. This was not the subject of our conversation," he emphasised.

He also claimed that he hadn't known that the US military aid to Ukraine had been blocked at the time of the call.

A rough White House transcript showed that Donald Trump had asked Zelensky to investigate Biden, sparking an impeachment inquiry into the US President.

More from International

Coming Up on Dubai Eye

  • The Debrief

    5:00pm - 7:00pm

    Join Lucy & Dane on Dubai Eye 103.8 for The Debrief from 5pm to 7pm, the perfect way to unwind after a busy day at the office.

  • The Score

    7:00pm - 9:00pm

    Hosted by Chris McHardy, The Score is your comprehensive guide to the world of sport.

BUSINESS BREAKFAST LATEST

On Dubai Eye

  • Flying Taxis

    It sounds like an episode of The Jetsons, but the sight of flying taxis whizzing around our cities could be much closer than you think.

  • Tough penalties for deliberate tax evasion

    The UAE has said that tougher penalties will come into force from 1st August for not keeping proper corporate tax records.