Liberal U.S. lawmakers withdraw Ukraine letter after blowback By Reuters

By Patricia Zengerle

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -The U.S. Congressional Progressive Caucus withdrew a letter to the White Home urging a negotiated settlement to the battle in Ukraine, the group’s chairperson, Democratic Consultant Pramila Jayapal, stated on Tuesday.

“The Congressional Progressive Caucus hereby withdraws its current letter to the White Home relating to Ukraine,” Jayapal stated in a press release. She added: “The letter was drafted a number of months in the past, however sadly was launched by employees with out vetting.”

The letter grew to become public on Monday, leaving another Democrats feeling blindsided simply two weeks earlier than Nov. 8 mid-term elections that may decide which political occasion controls Congress. And it appeared simply as Republicans had been dealing with issues that their occasion would possibly reduce navy and humanitarian support that has helped Ukraine since Russia invaded in February.

The letter drew quick pushback, together with from some members of the Progressive Caucus. “Russia does not acknowledge diplomacy, solely energy. If we would like Ukraine to proceed as a free and democratic nation that it’s, we should assist their combat,” Democratic Consultant Ruben Gallego, a caucus member, stated in a written remark.

Consultant Kevin McCarthy, the highest Home Republican and sure subsequent speaker, advised Punchbowl Information in an interview this month that there could be no “clean examine” for Ukraine if Republicans take over.

In her assertion withdrawing the letter, Jayapal stated that, due to the timing, the letter was being conflated as being equal to McCarthy’s comment.

“Nothing could possibly be farther from the reality. Each battle ends with diplomacy, and this one will too after Ukrainian victory. The letter despatched yesterday, though restating that primary precept, has been conflated with GOP opposition to assist for the Ukrainians’ simply protection of their nationwide sovereignty. As such, it’s a distraction presently and we withdraw the letter,” Jayapal’s assertion stated.

Biden administration officers had stated in response to the letter that diplomacy can solely happen when all sides are open to speak, and that they’d had no such indication from Moscow.