A group of Democratic Party members in the House of Representatives on Tuesday withdrew the letter it sent to the White House the previous day calling for continued negotiations with Russia in the search for a diplomatic solution to the war in Ukraine.
Democratic caucus chair Pramila Jayapal has issued a statement regretting the release of the letter, claiming that it was drafted months ago, but that «unfortunately staff released it without vetting.»
«Due to the timing, some are confusing our message,» Jayapal has expressed, after acknowledging «responsibility» for it.
«The proximity of these statements has created the unfortunate appearance that Democrats, who have unanimously supported and voted for every military and economic aid package to the Ukrainian people, are somehow aligned with Republicans seeking to remove U.S. support for Zelenski’s Ukrainian forces,» the missive continues.
Nevertheless, Jayapal reaffirms the need to advocate diplomacy «in every war» to achieve its end, even though he withdraws the message to US President Joe Biden because of the political context of the country, which is running for mid-term elections on November 8.
«Nothing could be further from the truth. Every war ends with diplomacy, and this one will too after the Ukrainian victory. The letter sent yesterday, while reaffirming that basic principle, has been conflated with the Republican Party’s opposition to supporting the righteous defense of Ukrainians’ national sovereignty. As such, it is a distraction at this time and we withdraw the letter,» the statement concludes.
The letter sent Monday to Biden and signed by some thirty lawmakers drew criticism from other Democrats for allegedly dividing the party. However, Jayapal clarified hours later that the group supported the White House strategy.
The congressmen pointed out in the letter that it is in the interest of Washington and Kiev to avoid a prolonged conflict, as it would increase the risk of a dangerous escalation.
«We urge you to make vigorous diplomatic efforts in support of a negotiated settlement and ceasefire, engage in direct talks with Russia, explore the prospects for a new European security agreement acceptable to all sides,» reads the text, in which they called for coordination with Ukrainian partners to seek a quick end to the conflict.
