Zelensky says Ukraine may probe Joe Biden based on international law

Ukraine can launch an investigation against former U.S. Vice President Joe Biden and his son Hunter Biden if U.S. prosecutors file a request based on international law.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Saturday told Japanese news agency Kyodo that he explained to U.S. President Donald Trump during their phone conversation in July that "any investigation could be possible if needed because Ukraine would have a new and just chief prosecutor".

"If U.S. prosecutors request cooperation for an investigation based on international law, in accordance with domestic laws Ukraine can launch a probe by setting up a joint investigative committee," he also told Trump.

However, he denied being pressured by Trump to investigate Biden.

"I was never pressured and there were no conditions being imposed," he said.

The U.S. cannot pressure him, the president of an independent country, Zelensky added.

Trump acknowledged asking Zelensky to investigate Joe Biden and his son during a July 25 telephone call that has become the foundation for the House's impeachment investigation against Trump.

Joe Biden is a clear political rival to Trump as the leading Democratic candidate heading into next year's presidential election.