Progressive Caucus Withdraws Letter Urging Biden To Pursue Russia Talks

A group of Democrat House Reps from the Congressional Progressive Caucus have withdrawn a letter to President Biden urging the administration to consider pursing a diplomacy with Russia to end the war in Ukraine.

• The letter, penned Progressive Caucus Chair Pramila Jayapal (D-WA) read: “Given the destruction created by this war for Ukraine and the world, as well as the risk of catastrophic escalation, we also believe it is in the interests of Ukraine, the United States, and the world to avoid a prolonged conflict. For this reason, we urge you to pair the military and economic support the United States has provided to Ukraine with a proactive diplomatic push, redoubling efforts to seek a realistic framework for a ceasefire.”
• A member of the House Democratic leadership said: “Vladimir Putin would have signed that letter if asked. That bone-headed letter just put Dems in the same league as Kevin McCarthy," who earlier in the week made comments suggesting Ukraine funding may be in jeopardy.”
• White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre confirmed to reporters yesterday that the Biden administration will not conduct diplomacy with Russia without Ukraine’s participation.