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 "avoid misunderstandings" and so they would know "exactly what they propose to cover." Ambassador Sondland explained: "Even though Ze [President Zelensky] does a live presser [press event] they can still summarize in a brief statement." Ambassador Volker agreed.$773$

As they were negotiating the language that would appear in a press statement, "there was talk about having a live interview or a live broadcast" during which President Zelensky would make the agreed-upon statement.$774$ Ambassador Sondland suggested reviewing a written summary of the statement because he was "concerned" that President Zelensky would "say whatever he would say on live television and it still wouldn't be good enough for Rudy, slash, the President [Trump]."$775$

"Everyone Was in the Loop" About Plan for Ukrainians to Deliver a Public Statement about Investigations in Exchange for a White House Visit

As negotiations continued, on August 10, Mr. Yermak texted Ambassador Volker in an attempt to schedule a White House meeting before the Ukrainian president made a public statement in support of investigations into Burisma and the 2016 election. He wrote:

"I think it's possible to make this declaration and mention all these things. Which we discussed yesterday. But it will be logic [sic] to do after we receive a confirmation of date. We inform about date of visit about our expectations and our guarantees for future visit. Let [sic] discuss it$776$"

Ambassador Volker responded that he agreed, but that first they would have to "iron out [a] statement and use that to get [a] date," after which point President Zelensky would go forward with making the statement.$777$ They agreed to have a call the next day, and to include Ambassador Sondland. Mr. Yermak texted:

"Excellent. Once we have a date, will call for a press briefing, announcing upcoming visit and outlining vision for the reboot of the US-UKRAINE relationship, including, among other things, Burisma and election meddling in investigations.$778$"

Ambassador Volker forwarded the message to Ambassador Sondland, and they agreed to speak with Mr. Yermak the next day.$779$

Ambassador Sondland testified that "everyone was in the loop" regarding this plan.$780$ Also on August 10, Ambassador Sondland informed Ambassador Volker that he briefed T. Ulrich Brechbuhl, Counselor of the Department of State, noting: "I briefed Ulrich. All good."$781$ Ambassador Sondland testified that he "may have walked [Mr. Brechbuhl] through where we were."$782$ When asked if Mr. Brechbuhl briefed Secretary Pompeo, Ambassador Sondland noted that it was Mr. Brechbuhl's "habit" to "consult with Secretary Pompeo frequently."$783$

Secretary of Energy Rick Perry was also made aware of efforts to pressure Ukraine to issue a public statement about political investigations in exchange for a White House meeting. Ambassador Sondland testified: