Progressive Democrats in Congress urge Biden to negotiate with Russia

A letter signed by 30 Democrats from the Congressional Progressive Caucus, led by Rep. Pramila Jayapal, urged President Joe Biden on Monday to reverse US policy on the war in Ukraine and negotiate directly with Russia.

The letter, first reported by the Washington Post, said lawmakers appreciated Biden’s commitment “to Ukraine’s legitimate fight against Russian aggression” and admitted that US economic, military and humanitarian aid has been instrumental in Ukraine’s success. against the invasion.

However, he pointed out that diplomacy must also be part of the United States’ efforts to end the war, which has had a catastrophic toll on the Ukrainian people and threatens to worsen the global food crisis, poverty and rising prices. of fuels and grains.

“As lawmakers responsible for spending tens of billions of taxpayer dollars on military assistance in the conflict, we believe that involvement in this war also creates a responsibility for the United States to seriously explore all possible avenues, including direct interaction with Russia, to reduce damage and support Ukraine in achieving a peaceful solution,” the document said.

At a news conference in June, Biden acknowledged that possibility when asked if Ukraine would have to cede territory to Russia to end the conflict.

“It seems to me that at some point down the road, there’s going to have to be a negotiated settlement, and I don’t know what that entails. I don’t think anyone knows at this point,” Biden told reporters.

The lawmakers noted that it is not for the US to pressure Ukraine to agree to a settlement, and that any “context would presumably include an incentive to end hostilities, including some form of sanctions relief, and bring the international community together to establish security guarantees.” for a free and independent Ukraine that are acceptable to all parties, particularly the Ukrainians.”

The United States has sent nearly $60 billion in military, economic and humanitarian aid to Ukraine since Russia’s invasion began in February. In Monday’s letter, members of the progressive caucus said they favor continued aid.

However, House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, who would be Speaker of the House if Republicans win control in November’s midterm elections, has said aid to Ukraine is not assured, due to domestic economic concerns.

“I think people are going to be in a recession and they won’t want to write a blank check to Ukraine,” McCarthy told the Punchbowl News outlet last week.

Not all Republican leaders think the same. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell proposed more aid to Ukraine in a statement last Friday.

“The Biden administration and our allies must do more to provide the tools Ukraine needs to curb Russian aggression. Obviously this has to include additional air defenses, long-range missiles, and humanitarian and economic support… to get through the winter,” he said.

Progressive Democrats praised Biden’s decisions, saying the administration’s policy has been critical in preventing open nuclear conflict.

“We make no mistake about the difficulties involved in approaching Russia due to its outrageous and illegal invasion of Ukraine and its decision to illegally annex Ukrainian territories,” the letter said.

“However, if there is a way to end the war while preserving a free and independent Ukraine, it is the responsibility of the United States to pursue all diplomatic avenues,” the lawmakers added.

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