US Army Lt. Col. Alexander Vindman was the director for European affairs for the US National Security Council under former President Donald Trump. He testified in Congress on Trump’s attempts to influence Ukrainian President Volodmyr Zelensky to investigate Trump’s rival, Joe Biden; his statements were instrumental in Trump’s impeachment.

Vindman was born in Ukraine and served for the US military in Iraq, earning a Purple Heart for his service. He is an expert on defense and security. He connected with DW Washington Correspondent Sumi Somaskanda on the war in Ukraine, the West, and lessons learned.