US Congress progressives withdraw letter pushing Biden for talks with Russia

By Servet Gunerigok

WASHINGTON (AA) - Progressives in the US Congress withdrew a letter Tuesday which sought to push President Joe Biden for direct talks with Russia to end the Ukraine war.

"The Congressional Progressive Caucus hereby withdraws its recent letter to the White House regarding Ukraine," caucus chairwoman Pramila Jayapal said in a statement.

She said the letter was drafted several months ago but was released by staff without vetting.

"As Chair of the Caucus, I accept responsibility for this. 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," she added.

The letter signed by 30 Democrats sent Monday urged Biden "to make vigorous diplomatic efforts in support of a negotiated settlement and ceasefire, engage in direct talks with Russia, explore prospects for a new European security arrangement acceptable to all parties."

The signatories include progressive lawmakers Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Ilhan Omar, Rashida Tlaib and Ayanna Pressley.

"Nothing could be further from the truth. Every war ends with diplomacy, and this one will too after Ukrainian victory," said Jayapal.