Trump impeachment: White House withheld Ukraine aid just after Zelensky call

(FASTNEWS | COLOMBO) –  The White House sought to freeze aid to Ukraine just 91 minutes after President Trump spoke to President Volodymyr Zelensky by phone in July, a newly-released government email has revealed.

In the call, Mr Trump asked the Ukrainian leader to investigate his political rival, Democrat Joe Biden.

Democrats say it shows Mr Trump used the office for personal political gain.

The fateful phone call is key to the abuse of power charge on which Mr Trump has been impeached.

A US whistleblower who heard about the conversation raised concerns, which ultimately triggered the impeachment inquiry.

Mr Trump was formally impeached by the Democratic-controlled House of Representatives on Wednesday, but is unlikely to be removed from office as the case will go to trial in the US Senate, where his Republican party has a majority.

(Agencies)