On second thought…Leftwing Democrats retract letter to Biden asking for Ukraine peace talks

Washington: The Congressional Progressive Caucus has withdrawn a letter, signed by 30 House liberals and despatched to the White Dwelling on Monday, that urged President Biden to negotiate instantly with Russia to provide an close to the war in Ukraine.

The withdrawal will come a day immediately after the letter, led by Congressional Progressive Caucus chair Consultant Pramila Jayapal, triggered intense pushback from many Democrats, as perfectly as from Ukrainian officers, who argued it was unrealistic to negotiate with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

They also worried the letter could create additional tension on Biden as he attempts to maintain domestic assistance for the war energy, at a time when the area is heading into a potentially complicated winter and Republicans are threatening to slash assist to Ukraine if they retake Congress.

On Tuesday, Jayapal claimed the letter experienced been drafted numerous months ago and “released by team without having vetting”.

“As Chair of the Caucus, I acknowledge obligation for this. Due to the fact of the timing, our concept is becoming conflated by some as getting equal to the new statement by Republican Chief [Kevin] McCarthy threatening an stop to assist to Ukraine if Republicans take around,” Jayapal reported in a assertion.

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“The proximity of these statements created the regrettable look that Democrats, who have strongly and unanimously supported and voted for each offer of military services, strategic, and financial help to the Ukrainian persons, are someway aligned with Republicans who search for to pull the plug on American assist for President Zelensky and the Ukrainian forces.”

Quite a few of the letter’s signatories also walked back again their help for the letter, declaring it was published months in the past.

“Timing in diplomacy is anything,” Agent Sara Jacobs, a single of the letter’s signatories, tweeted on Tuesday. “I signed this letter on June 30, but a large amount has adjusted because then. I would not indication it these days.”