Members of the Congressional Progressive Caucus withdrew a letter to President Joe Biden calling on him to pursue talks with Russian president Vladimir Putin amid his unprovoked invasion of Ukraine.
“The Congressional Progressive Caucus hereby withdraws its recent letter to the White House regarding Ukraine,” Rep. Pramila Jayapal, the progressive caucus chairperson said in a statement.”The letter was drafted several months ago, but unfortunately was released by staff without vetting.”
The letter was published on Monday and immediately drew swift rebukes from fellow Democrats, including some members of the progressive caucus.
“Russia doesn’t acknowledge diplomacy, only strength. If we want Ukraine to continue as a free and democratic country that it is, we must support their fight,” Rep. Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.) said.
Earlier this month, House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy suggest in an interview that Republicans will cut aid to Ukraine if they control the House after the midterm election.
In her statement, Jayapal called the letter a “distraction” because it was being conflated with Republicans opposing aid to Ukraine.
“Nothing could be further from the truth. Every war ends with diplomacy, and this one will too after Ukrainian victory. The letter sent yesterday, although restating that basic principle, has been conflated with GOP opposition to support for the Ukrainians’ just defense of their national sovereignty. As such, it is a distraction at this time and we withdraw the letter,” Jayapal’s statement said.
