<p>It is said that “Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery that mediocrity can pay to greatness.”&nbsp;</p>

<p>Seems like French President Emmanuel Macron understood the assignment. Traditionally, the French have been trendsetters, known for their style and fine fashion. However, it appears that the French President is taking style tips from the most fashionable leader in Europe.</p>

<p>With the Russian invasion of his country, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky has become an instantly recognisable figure. Throughout the past three weeks, when he visited the wounded in the hospital, or attended briefings, the leader wore khaki hoodies, jackets, and t-shirts.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukrainian-man-shocked-as-a-missile-explodes-mere-steps-away-from-him-watch-462368" hreflang="en">Ukrainian man shocked as a missile explodes mere steps away from him: Watch</a></strong></p>

<p>The Ukrainian comedian turned war leader discarded the suit and tie typically worn by a head of state in favour of more utilitarian clothing as he splits his time between the presidential palace and the streets of war-torn Kyiv. &nbsp;</p>

<p>Now new pictures have emerged in which the French President is supporting a look "inspired" by Zelensky.&nbsp;</p>

<p><img alt="Zelensky, Macron" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="541b081c-7ffd-4e92-8646-1c242099944b" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/stories%20%2816%29_0.jpg" /></p>

<p>Macron - arguably the cleanest-cut figure in the EU who is seldom seen in anything but an immaculately tailored suit, perfectly coiffed hair and a clean shave - now seems to be sporting a dark hooded sweatshirt, jeans and a face full of stubble behind a desk in the Elysee Palace.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-warns-russia-might-be-planning-a-chemical-attack-on-ukraine-us-nato-un-echo-the-concern-462340" hreflang="en">UK warns Russia might be planning a chemical attack on Ukraine; US, NATO echo the concern</a></strong></p>

<p>At first glance, the French leader is almost unrecognisable, his baggy black hoodie a stark contrast to the slim navy jacket he usually wears.</p>

<p><img alt="Macron, Zelensky" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="ffc7e8dc-35a9-4680-bc79-b1361bcfbde0" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/stories%20%2817%29_1.jpg" /></p>

<p>Images show Macron seemingly hard at work at his office in Paris' Élysée Palace on Sunday. They bear a striking resemblance to the shots of Zelensky preparing for a media interview or delivering a stirring speech from his Kyiv office.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Ukraine, Russia optimistic about round 4 of talks</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-ukraine-russia-optimistic-about-round-4-of-talks-462334/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>Soazig De La Moissonnière, Macron's official photographer released the images this morning. The images received an enthusiastic response on social media from her followers, who praised the candid photos of the President.</p>

<p>Others, however, have accused Macron of using the ‘war-room’ style photos as a marketing ploy to piggyback off Zelensky’s popularity and appear more relatable.</p>

<p><img alt="Zelensky" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a657be45-ef59-4ae9-9adf-4ba1ccb895e3" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/stories%20%2818%29_0.jpg" /></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Macron decided to turn up to work in a pair of jeans and a French paratroopers hoodie to be more like Zelensky. <a href="https://t.co/pYivvXwOga">pic.twitter.com/pYivvXwOga</a></p>
— Sam Street (@samstreetwrites) <a href="https://twitter.com/samstreetwrites/status/1503377390969495559?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 14, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Now I’ve seen everything: Macron is cosplaying Zelensky. Nothing bad about that, only confirms a very simple fact: Ukrainian president is now the moral leader of the West. <a href="https://t.co/xsaZbPF76q">pic.twitter.com/xsaZbPF76q</a></p>
— Anton Shekhovtsov (@A_SHEKH0VTS0V) <a href="https://twitter.com/A_SHEKH0VTS0V/status/1503414966459719680?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 14, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">A month ago it would have been hard to imagine French President Emmanuel Macron trying to copy President Volodymyr Zelensky.<br />
<br />
Now it’s the reality we live in. <a href="https://t.co/WbDm1UZhFq">pic.twitter.com/WbDm1UZhFq</a></p>
— Oleksiy Sorokin (@mrsorokaa) <a href="https://twitter.com/mrsorokaa/status/1503489529721901061?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 14, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Zelensky’s getting some high-level fans, and we love to see it. <a href="https://t.co/DE7P5i3Y1C">pic.twitter.com/DE7P5i3Y1C</a></p>
— Anastasiia Lapatina (@lapatina_) <a href="https://twitter.com/lapatina_/status/1503493654027116546?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 14, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p>Macron has long been portrayed as a well-dressed statesman who would never dare be caught off-duty without a suit and tie.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It is almost impossible to find photos of French President Emmanuel Macron where he isn't suited and booted, whether posted by the world's media or his personal photographer.</p>

<p><img alt="Suits vs sweatshirts" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b413330f-4912-4ea4-9adc-769598374d72" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/stories%20%2820%29.jpg" /></p>

<p>Don't be surprised if Boris Johnson addresses the Commons in a jumper and jeans one of these days, as the war rages on and public admiration for the Ukrainian President grows ever stronger.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


It is said that “Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery that mediocrity can pay to greatness.” Seems like French President Emmanuel Macron understood the assignment.

It is said that “Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery that mediocrity can pay to greatness.” Seems like French President Emmanuel Macron understood the assignment. Traditionally, the French have been trendsetters, known for their style and fine fashion. However, it appears that the French President is taking style tips from the most fashionable leader in Europe. With the Russian invasion of his country, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky has become an instantly recognisable figure. Throughout the past three weeks, when he visited the wounded in the hospital, or attended briefings, the leader wore khaki hoodies, jackets, and t-shirts. Also read | Ukrainian man shocked as a missile explodes mere steps away from him: Watch The Ukrainian comedian turned war leader discarded the suit and tie typically worn by a head of state in favour of more utilitarian clothing as he splits his time between the presidential palace and the streets of war-torn Kyiv. Now new pictures have emerged in which the French President is supporting a look "inspired" by Zelensky. Macron - arguably the cleanest-cut figure in the EU who is seldom seen in anything but an immaculately tailored suit, perfectly coiffed hair and a clean shave - now seems to be sporting a dark hooded sweatshirt, jeans and a face full of stubble behind a desk in the Elysee Palace. Also read | UK warns Russia might be planning a chemical attack on Ukraine; US, NATO echo the concern At first glance, the French leader is almost unrecognisable, his baggy black hoodie a stark contrast to the slim navy jacket he usually wears. Images show Macron seemingly hard at work at his office in Paris' Élysée Palace on Sunday. They bear a striking resemblance to the shots of Zelensky preparing for a media interview or delivering a stirring speech from his Kyiv office. Watch | Gravitas: Ukraine, Russia optimistic about round 4 of talks Soazig De La Moissonnière, Macron's official photographer released the images this morning. The images received an enthusiastic response on social media from her followers, who praised the candid photos of the President. Others, however, have accused Macron of using the ‘war-room’ style photos as a marketing ploy to piggyback off Zelensky’s popularity and appear more relatable. Macron decided to turn up to work in a pair of jeans and a French paratroopers hoodie to be more like Zelensky. pic.twitter.com/pYivvXwOga — Sam Street (@samstreetwrites) March 14, 2022 × Now I’ve seen everything: Macron is cosplaying Zelensky. Nothing bad about that, only confirms a very simple fact: Ukrainian president is now the moral leader of the West. pic.twitter.com/xsaZbPF76q — Anton Shekhovtsov (@A_SHEKH0VTS0V) March 14, 2022 × A month ago it would have been hard to imagine French President Emmanuel Macron trying to copy President Volodymyr Zelensky. Now it’s the reality we live in. pic.twitter.com/WbDm1UZhFq — Oleksiy Sorokin (@mrsorokaa) March 14, 2022 × Zelensky’s getting some high-level fans, and we love to see it. pic.twitter.com/DE7P5i3Y1C — Anastasiia Lapatina (@lapatina_) March 14, 2022 × Macron has long been portrayed as a well-dressed statesman who would never dare be caught off-duty without a suit and tie. It is almost impossible to find photos of French President Emmanuel Macron where he isn't suited and booted, whether posted by the world's media or his personal photographer. Don't be surprised if Boris Johnson addresses the Commons in a jumper and jeans one of these days, as the war rages on and public admiration for the Ukrainian President grows ever stronger. (With inputs from agencies)

Imitation, the sincerest form of flattery: French President discards suits, dons sweatshirt. Copying Zelensky?

Why has Ukraine been able to stall Russian advance?

Trump impeachment saga: What you need to know ahead of the vote

<p>Ukrainian and Russian leaders will try to seal a ceasefire in eastern <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trumps-lawyer-giuliani-back-in-ukraine-as-impeachment-probe-escalates-266286">Ukraine</a> and agree on prisoner swaps when they meet next week, but with Kiev politically constrained and Moscow unlikely to bend, the prospects for peace remain bleak, diplomats said.</p>

<p>Volodymyr Zelenskiy and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-encyclopaedia-to-replace-wikipedia-in-putins-expensive-attempt-to-curb-fake-news-266106">Vladimir Putin</a> hold their first face-to-face talks on December&nbsp;9 in Paris with the French and German leaders more than three years since the countries' heads of state last met. It comes after a slight easing of tensions.</p>

<p>Over 13,000 people have been killed in the more than five-year-old conflict in east Ukraine between pro-Russian separatists and Ukrainian government forces. There has been little sign of a peaceful solution despite a ceasefire agreement signed in February 2015 in Minsk.</p>

<p>Zelenskiy won a landslide election victory in April promising to end the simmering conflict, but facing pressure from his opposition, he is wary of conceding too much to Moscow.</p>

<p>"If we start discussing the real political, military and security issues, namely, withdrawal of some troops on the line of contact, the question of local elections and the status of Donbass region, you see that the two leaders don't have a lot of room for manoeuvre," said a senior French diplomat.</p>

<p>Relations between Ukraine and Russia collapsed following Moscow's annexation of the Crimean peninsula in 2014, which prompted Western sanctions.</p>

<p>Key to the accords are elections in Donbass, but both sides accuse each other of failing to stick to the deal, which also includes restoring Kiev’s control over the whole border with Russia and the withdrawal of heavy weaponry from the conflict zone.</p>

<p>"Our main expectation for #NormandySummit and any other formats is what I call #RUxit - we want Russiа and Russian forces to leave Ukraine," Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Vadym Prystaiko said on Twitter on Tuesday.</p>

<p>Vladimir Frolov, a former senior Russian diplomat, said he saw little chance of a major breakthrough in Paris describing the positions as irreconcilable.</p>

<p>"Zelenskiy is going to hit two walls, one in Paris and one afterwards - the wall of Russian intransigence and the wall of Ukrainian public unwillingness to endorse humiliating compromises with Russia," Frolov said.</p>

<p>"Moscow does not care about sanctions relief, it cares about meeting its strategic objectives in Ukraine ... and a confederate Ukrainian state that Kiev does not fully control," he said.</p>

<p>Calling it a test barometer to see where both sides stood, another French diplomat said progress on a ceasefire and prisoner swaps would be a good basis to move forward.</p>

<p>The summit also comes within the wider context of Europe's relations with Russia. French President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/unions-protest-in-paris-against-macrons-pension-reform-266405">Emmanuel Macron</a> has sought a reset with Moscow, something that has unnerved eastern European Union partners.</p>

<p>"It can't just be about Ukraine. It has to be about the Russia-West-US&nbsp;conflict otherwise the Russians don't have the incentives to resolve things because Ukraine is too valuable a chip," said a former senior US&nbsp;official.</p>


Ukrainian and Russian leaders will try to seal a ceasefire in eastern Ukraine and agree on prisoner swaps when they meet next week, but with Kiev politically constrained and Moscow unlikely to bend, the prospects for peace remain bleak, diplomats said.

Ukrainian and Russian leaders will try to seal a ceasefire in eastern Ukraine and agree on prisoner swaps when they meet next week, but with Kiev politically constrained and Moscow unlikely to bend, the prospects for peace remain bleak, diplomats said. Volodymyr Zelenskiy and Vladimir Putin hold their first face-to-face talks on December 9 in Paris with the French and German leaders more than three years since the countries' heads of state last met. It comes after a slight easing of tensions. Over 13,000 people have been killed in the more than five-year-old conflict in east Ukraine between pro-Russian separatists and Ukrainian government forces. There has been little sign of a peaceful solution despite a ceasefire agreement signed in February 2015 in Minsk. Zelenskiy won a landslide election victory in April promising to end the simmering conflict, but facing pressure from his opposition, he is wary of conceding too much to Moscow. "If we start discussing the real political, military and security issues, namely, withdrawal of some troops on the line of contact, the question of local elections and the status of Donbass region, you see that the two leaders don't have a lot of room for manoeuvre," said a senior French diplomat. Relations between Ukraine and Russia collapsed following Moscow's annexation of the Crimean peninsula in 2014, which prompted Western sanctions. Key to the accords are elections in Donbass, but both sides accuse each other of failing to stick to the deal, which also includes restoring Kiev’s control over the whole border with Russia and the withdrawal of heavy weaponry from the conflict zone. "Our main expectation for #NormandySummit and any other formats is what I call #RUxit - we want Russiа and Russian forces to leave Ukraine," Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Vadym Prystaiko said on Twitter on Tuesday. Vladimir Frolov, a former senior Russian diplomat, said he saw little chance of a major breakthrough in Paris describing the positions as irreconcilable. "Zelenskiy is going to hit two walls, one in Paris and one afterwards - the wall of Russian intransigence and the wall of Ukrainian public unwillingness to endorse humiliating compromises with Russia," Frolov said. "Moscow does not care about sanctions relief, it cares about meeting its strategic objectives in Ukraine ... and a confederate Ukrainian state that Kiev does not fully control," he said. Calling it a test barometer to see where both sides stood, another French diplomat said progress on a ceasefire and prisoner swaps would be a good basis to move forward. The summit also comes within the wider context of Europe's relations with Russia. French President Emmanuel Macron has sought a reset with Moscow, something that has unnerved eastern European Union partners. "It can't just be about Ukraine. It has to be about the Russia-West-US conflict otherwise the Russians don't have the incentives to resolve things because Ukraine is too valuable a chip," said a former senior US official.

Ukraine, Russia leaders set to meet for Paris talks with bleak prospects of peace

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-ordered-ukraine-deal-to-probe-biden-us-diplomat-sondland-263493">Ukraine</a> has lashed out at Apple for showing the annexed Crimea peninsula as part of Russia, saying the US tech giant did not "give a damn" about the pain of the Ukrainian people.</p>

<p>Russian lawmakers said on Wednesday that Apple had complied with a demand from Moscow for Crimea to appear as Russian territory on its maps and weather apps.</p>

<p>"Let me explain in your terms, @Apple," Ukrainian Foreign Minister Vadym Prystaiko wrote on Twitter in response to the news.</p>

<p>"Imagine you're crying out that your design &amp; ideas, years of work &amp; piece of your heart are stolen by your worst enemy but then smb ignorant doesn't give a damn about your pain. That's how it feels when you call #Crimea a (Russian) land," he said.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Let me explain in your terms, <a href="https://twitter.com/Apple?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Apple</a>. Imagine you're crying out that your design &amp; ideas, years of work &amp; piece of your heart are stolen by your worst enemy but then smb ignorant doesn't give a damn about your pain. That's how it feels when you call <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Crimea?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Crimea</a> a 🇷🇺 land.</p>
— Vadym Prystaiko (@VPrystaiko) <a href="https://twitter.com/VPrystaiko/status/1199727752468930562?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 27, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p>"@Apple, please, please, stick to high-tech and entertainment. Global politics is not your strong side."</p>

<p>The Ukrainian Embassy in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-to-cut-spending-on-nato-budget-germany-to-pay-more-265077">United States</a> tweeted: "We guess Ukrainians (are) not giving any thanks to @Apple this #Thanksgiving!"</p>

<p>As of Wednesday, the Black Sea peninsula and its largest cities of Sevastopol and Simferopol were being displayed as Russian territory on Apple's apps when used in Russia.</p>

<p>Moscow has put pressure on foreign companies to recognise the peninsula as an integral part of its territory.</p>

<p>Some Ukrainians responded by calling for a boycott of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/apple-intel-file-antitrust-case-against-softbank-owned-firm-over-patent-practices-263533">Apple</a> devices.</p>

<p>"Let's take our gadgets onto the square, pile them up and burn them," wrote Igor Kravchuk from Kharkiv on Facebook.</p>

<p>Another, Yevgen Petrov from Zhytomyr, said: "Let's boycott Apple and support Android, a creator of gadgets that don't cave in to the Kremlin!"</p>

<p>Google does not identify Crimea as belonging to either <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/olympic-chief-says-will-do-everything-to-ensure-russia-at-2020-games-265073">Russia</a> or Ukraine on its maps.</p>

<p>However, when used in Russia, it writes Crimean placenames in Russian and shows a line along the de facto border with Ukraine.</p>

<p>Russia annexed Crimea from Ukraine in 2014 in a move condemned by most of the global community. The seizure of the peninsula helped spark a separatist uprising in eastern Ukraine that has claimed more than 13,000 lives.</p>

<p>EU member Lithuania backed Ukraine, with its foreign minister Linas Linkevicius tweeting: "We call on Apple to revert this ignorant standpoint as status quo has not changed in Crimea: it's still occupied by #Russia."</p>

<p>Russian lawmakers backed Apple's actions, however.</p>

<p>An MP representing Crimea in Russia's parliament, Mikhail Sheremet, told RIA Novosti news agency that Apple "doesn't want to lose the highly profitable and promising Russian market".</p>

<p>US President Donald Trump "should follow Apple's example and take the only correct and lawful decision to recognise Crimea's status as Russian," a lawmaker in Crimea's parliament, Alexei Chernyak, told RIA Novosti.</p>

<p>Russia and Apple had been in talks over the last few months, with the US giant initially trying to show Crimea as undefined territory and removing any mention of Ukraine.</p>

<p>Russia in November passed a law that requires phones and computers to be sold with Russian software pre-installed, although it does not enter force until June next year.</p>

<p>Apple has threatened to leave the Russian market over the law, since it does not sell phones with other companies' software.</p>

<p>Russian experts have warned that it may become impossible to buy Apple products in stores in the country.</p>

<p>This could mean "farewell to iPhones", warned the tabloid Komsomolskaya Pravda.</p>


Ukraine has lashed out at Apple for showing the annexed Crimea peninsula as part of Russia, saying the US tech giant did not "give a damn" about the pain of the Ukrainian people.

Ukraine has lashed out at Apple for showing the annexed Crimea peninsula as part of Russia, saying the US tech giant did not "give a damn" about the pain of the Ukrainian people. Russian lawmakers said on Wednesday that Apple had complied with a demand from Moscow for Crimea to appear as Russian territory on its maps and weather apps. "Let me explain in your terms, @Apple," Ukrainian Foreign Minister Vadym Prystaiko wrote on Twitter in response to the news. "Imagine you're crying out that your design & ideas, years of work & piece of your heart are stolen by your worst enemy but then smb ignorant doesn't give a damn about your pain. That's how it feels when you call #Crimea a (Russian) land," he said. Let me explain in your terms, @Apple. Imagine you're crying out that your design & ideas, years of work & piece of your heart are stolen by your worst enemy but then smb ignorant doesn't give a damn about your pain. That's how it feels when you call #Crimea a 🇷🇺 land. — Vadym Prystaiko (@VPrystaiko) November 27, 2019 × "@Apple, please, please, stick to high-tech and entertainment. Global politics is not your strong side." The Ukrainian Embassy in the United States tweeted: "We guess Ukrainians (are) not giving any thanks to @Apple this #Thanksgiving!" As of Wednesday, the Black Sea peninsula and its largest cities of Sevastopol and Simferopol were being displayed as Russian territory on Apple's apps when used in Russia. Moscow has put pressure on foreign companies to recognise the peninsula as an integral part of its territory. Some Ukrainians responded by calling for a boycott of Apple devices. "Let's take our gadgets onto the square, pile them up and burn them," wrote Igor Kravchuk from Kharkiv on Facebook. Another, Yevgen Petrov from Zhytomyr, said: "Let's boycott Apple and support Android, a creator of gadgets that don't cave in to the Kremlin!" Google does not identify Crimea as belonging to either Russia or Ukraine on its maps. However, when used in Russia, it writes Crimean placenames in Russian and shows a line along the de facto border with Ukraine. Russia annexed Crimea from Ukraine in 2014 in a move condemned by most of the global community. The seizure of the peninsula helped spark a separatist uprising in eastern Ukraine that has claimed more than 13,000 lives. EU member Lithuania backed Ukraine, with its foreign minister Linas Linkevicius tweeting: "We call on Apple to revert this ignorant standpoint as status quo has not changed in Crimea: it's still occupied by #Russia." Russian lawmakers backed Apple's actions, however. An MP representing Crimea in Russia's parliament, Mikhail Sheremet, told RIA Novosti news agency that Apple "doesn't want to lose the highly profitable and promising Russian market". US President Donald Trump "should follow Apple's example and take the only correct and lawful decision to recognise Crimea's status as Russian," a lawmaker in Crimea's parliament, Alexei Chernyak, told RIA Novosti. Russia and Apple had been in talks over the last few months, with the US giant initially trying to show Crimea as undefined territory and removing any mention of Ukraine. Russia in November passed a law that requires phones and computers to be sold with Russian software pre-installed, although it does not enter force until June next year. Apple has threatened to leave the Russian market over the law, since it does not sell phones with other companies' software. Russian experts have warned that it may become impossible to buy Apple products in stores in the country. This could mean "farewell to iPhones", warned the tabloid Komsomolskaya Pravda.

Ukraine slams Apple for calling Crimea part of Russia

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<p>US President Donald Trump lashed out at Democrats on Wednesday for opening impeachment proceedings against him calling the probe into his efforts to get Ukraine to investigate rival Joe Biden a "manufactured crisis."</p>

<p>Trump spoke out following a meeting with Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in New York -- and shortly after the White House's release of a rough transcript of his July 25 phone call with Ukrainian President Volodymir Zelensky.</p>

<p>Referring to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who opened the impeachment inquiry on Tuesday, Trump said, "She is wasting her time on a manufactured crisis."</p>

<p>"All they are talking about is nonsense," he added.</p>

<p>The White House released a call transcript Wednesday confirmingTrump asked his Ukrainian counterpart to probe his political rival Joe Biden.</p>

<p>"There's a lot of talk about Biden's son, that Biden stopped the prosecution and a lot of people want to find out about that," Trump told Volodymyr Zelensky in the July 25 call.</p>

<p>As Barack Obama's vice president, Joe Biden and other Western leaders pressured Ukraine to get rid of the country's top prosecutor, Viktor Shokin, because he was seen as not tough enough on corruption.</p>

<p>"Biden went around bragging that he stopped the prosecution so if you can look into it," Trump said.</p>


US President Donald Trump lashed out at Democrats on Wednesday for opening impeachment proceedings against him calling the probe into his efforts to get Ukraine to investigate rival Joe Biden a "manufactured crisis.

US President Donald Trump lashed out at Democrats on Wednesday for opening impeachment proceedings against him calling the probe into his efforts to get Ukraine to investigate rival Joe Biden a "manufactured crisis." Trump spoke out following a meeting with Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in New York -- and shortly after the White House's release of a rough transcript of his July 25 phone call with Ukrainian President Volodymir Zelensky. Referring to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who opened the impeachment inquiry on Tuesday, Trump said, "She is wasting her time on a manufactured crisis." "All they are talking about is nonsense," he added. The White House released a call transcript Wednesday confirmingTrump asked his Ukrainian counterpart to probe his political rival Joe Biden. "There's a lot of talk about Biden's son, that Biden stopped the prosecution and a lot of people want to find out about that," Trump told Volodymyr Zelensky in the July 25 call. As Barack Obama's vice president, Joe Biden and other Western leaders pressured Ukraine to get rid of the country's top prosecutor, Viktor Shokin, because he was seen as not tough enough on corruption. "Biden went around bragging that he stopped the prosecution so if you can look into it," Trump said.

'Pelosi wasting her time on manufactured crisis, ' says Trump on impeachment inquiry over Ukraine controversy