Thread by @cjf39

NEW w/@KFaulders: In texts obtained by @ABC, top career diplomat in Ukraine warns it's "crazy to withhold" military aid "for help with a political campaign." Trump's envoy to EU responds there's "no quid pro quo's" and asks to take convo offline abcnews.go.com/Politics/top-d…

@KFaulders @ABC MORE TEXTS:
Sondland and Volker chatting directly appear to draft language for Zelenskiy to announce an investigation into political interference in US.
Volker sends draft. Sonland replies: "Perfect. Lets send to Andrey after our call," a Zelenskiy aide.
abcnews.go.com/Politics/top-d…

@KFaulders @ABC MORE TEXTS: 4 days later, Sondland asks Volker, "Do we still want Ze to give us an unequivocal draft with 2016 and Boresma"
Volker responds, "That's the clear message so far... I'm hoping we can put something out there that causes him to respond with that"
abcnews.go.com/Politics/top-d…

@KFaulders @ABC Sondland and Volker talk repeatedly about contacting Andrey Zermak, Zelenskiy aide.
On Aug. 19, Sondland tells Volker he spoke to him and "drove the 'larger issue' home with Yermak. Not about just a meeting but the relationship per se." abcnews.go.com/Politics/top-d…

@KFaulders @ABC What role did Sec. Pompeo play?

After defending Trump and denying quid pro quo, Sondland tells career diplomat Bill Taylor, "If you still have concerns, I recommend you give Lisa Kenna or S a call to discuss them directly."

S, being the Secretary

abcnews.go.com/Politics/top-d…

@KFaulders @ABC NOTE: House Dems haven't released all texts. Our story has some not included:

Sondland says Yermak asking again about WH dates. Volker doesnt know, adds "Bill [Taylor] had no info on requesting an investigation- calling a friend at DOJ (Bruce Schwartz)."

abcnews.go.com/Politics/top-d…