Oct. 26 () –
A group of members of the Democratic Party in the House of Representatives has withdrawn this Tuesday the letter it sent to the White House the day before and in which it asked to continue negotiations with Russia in the search for a diplomatic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, saying it was written months ago but “unfortunately staff released it without examining it.”
“Due to the moment, some are confusing our message,” Jayapal said, after acknowledging “the responsibility” of it.
“The proximity of these statements has created the unfortunate appearance that the Democrats, who have supported and voted unanimously for every package of military and economic aid to the Ukrainian people, are somehow aligned with the Republicans who seek to remove support from attack on Zelensky’s Ukrainian forces,” the letter continues.
However, Jayapal reaffirms the need to advocate diplomacy “in every war” to achieve its end, despite the fact that he withdraws the message to the US president, Joe Biden, due to the political context of the country, which is presented to the mid-term elections on November 8.
“Nothing could be further from the truth. Every war ends with diplomacy, and this one will too after Ukraine’s victory. The letter sent yesterday, while reaffirming that basic principle, has been combined with the Republican Party’s opposition to support for the just defense of the national sovereignty of the Ukrainians. As such, it is a distraction at this time and we withdraw the letter,” the statement concludes.
The letter sent to Biden on Monday and signed by thirty legislators sparked criticism from other Democrats for the alleged division of the party. However, Jayapal clarified hours later that the group supported the White House strategy.
The congressmen pointed out in the letter that the interest of Washington and kyiv is to avoid a prolonged conflict, since it would increase the risk of a dangerous escalation.
“We urge you to make vigorous diplomatic efforts in support of a negotiated solution and a ceasefire, to engage in direct talks with Russia, to explore the prospects for a new European security agreement acceptable to all parties,” reads the text, in the calling for coordination with Ukrainian partners to seek a quick end to the conflict.
