The US House of Representatives approved the start of the public phase of Trump's impeachment

The US House of Representatives held the first vote in the impeachment proceedings against Donald Trump.

Congressmen voted 232 to 196 to approve a resolution that provides for the start of the public stage of the proceedings. The document establishes procedures for open hearings and disclosure of witness statements.

The resolution also formally requires six committees investigating Trump to continue their investigations.

• The impeachment proceedings were launched due to Trump's conversation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, in which the American leader asked Zelensky to launch an investigation into the activities of Burisma, which included the son of Joe Biden, a potential opponent of Trump in the presidential election. Trump is suspected of abuse of office.