Thread by @benrileysmith

Key bits of the opening testimony from Trump's EU ambassador [Sondland] to the impeachment inquiry...

1/ Trump told us to work with Giuliani on Ukraine. Means policy effectively out-sourced to a private citizen.

2/ Admission that Giuliani might have been trying to get Ukraine involved in Trump's 2020 re-election campaign. [Said explicitly by Sondland].

3/ Strong criticism for holding back military aid to Ukraine. 'Should not have been delayed for any reason'. Confirmation that State figures disproved of Trump's order.

4/ Acceptance that he discussed securing an investigation into Burisma [the Hunter Biden company] from the Ukrainians with Giuliani.

[Sondland claims he didn't know H Biden once sat on the board. But not denying US pushed for investigation into the firm.]

5/ Denial of ever discussing an 'aid for investigations' trade-off. Sondland says such a move would be "wrong".

He also details a call where Trump repeatedly said "no quid pro quo" to him. Happened late in the day [Sep 9] but still helpful to W House.

6/ Sondland repeatedly says Mike Pompeo knew all about what he was doing in Ukraine.

Says his actions "had the blessing" of Pompeo, that Pompeo was "very supportive" of Ukraine strategy, that Pompeo "encouraged me to keep banging away".

So more ques about what Pompeo knew.

The takeaway?

Trump's EU ambassador has confirmed many of the key parts of whistle-blower claim. Giuliani involvement, Burisma push, concern on holding back aid, Trump's central role.

But fell short of providing proof there was a 'quid pro quo'.

[end]