(CNN) - The top US diplomat in Ukraine told Congress that it was his "clear understanding" that US security aid to Ukraine wouldn't happen unless the country's president announced he would investigate President Donald Trump's political rivals, according to a transcript of Ambassador Bill Taylor's deposition released Wednesday.
In his 15-page opening statement, Taylor explained how he was told that "everything" Ukraine wanted was conditioned on the investigation.
He gave a damning account of how Trump told his appointees to establish a quid pro quo with Ukraine, trading much-needed US military assistance for political favors from Zelensky.
In the wake of that testimony, Trump accused Taylor of being a "Never Trumper."
In text messages to Sondland, Taylor said it would be "crazy" to withhold military aid in exchange for political help from Ukraine, suggesting a potential quid pro quo.