Progressives Retract Letter Suggesting ‘Direct Talks With Russia’ Over Ukraine After Backlash

Topline

Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.), the leader of the left-wing Congressional Progressive Caucus, said Tuesday the group was withdrawing an open letter asking President Joe Biden to “engage in direct talks with Russia” to end the war in Ukraine, claiming the message was sent out by staff “without vetting,” after it drew criticism from other Democrats.

Key Facts

The letter was sent to the White House on Monday, condemning Russia for its invasion of Ukraine but stating the tens of billions of dollars the U.S. has sent Ukraine in military aid “creates a responsibility for the United States to seriously explore all possible avenues.”

Thirty Democratic lawmakers signed the letter, including Rep. Mark Pocan (Wis.), who quickly distanced himself from the message, tweeting Monday night that “this was written in July & I have no idea why it went out now.”

Jayapal confirmed Tuesday the letter “was drafted several months ago” and claimed her staff sent the message “without vetting,” adding that the group “hereby withdraws” the message.

The retraction comes after Jayapal sent a statement Monday evening “clarifying” the letter, saying the caucus supported “a solution that is acceptable to the people of Ukraine.”

Crucial Quote

“Because of the timing, our message is being conflated by some as being equivalent to the recent statement by Republican Leader McCarthy threatening an end to aid to Ukraine if Republicans take over,” Rep. Jayapal said Tuesday.

Key Background

The letter was sent at a pivotal time in the war in Ukraine, as the country prepares for its first full winter of the conflict. Ukrainian forces have made significant advances on Russian lines over the past few weeks, pushing the invading forces out of dozens of towns in southern and eastern Ukraine, while Russia has responded by ramping up attacks against civilian targets. But cracks in Western support for the Ukrainians, at least in terms of financial backing, have also emerged. McCarthy told Punchbowl News last week: “I think people are gonna be sitting in a recession and they’re not going to write a blank check to Ukraine,” when asked about the future of funding the war effort. Pentagon spokesman John Kirby said Monday there is no indication Russian President Vladimir Putin is open to a diplomatic solution to end the war.

Tangent

SpaceX last month threatened to cut Starlink satellite internet service in Ukraine—which has been critical for military communications—unless the company received substantial government subsidies. Elon Musk later reversed the company’s position, saying Starlink would continue service for “free.”

Further Reading

Russia Urges Kherson Evacuation Amid Warnings Of Imminent Ukrainian Counteroffensive (Forbes)

Musk Reverses Position, Says Starlink Can Serve Ukraine For ‘Free’ (Forbes)