House progressives pull letter questioning Biden's Ukraine strategy

The Congressional Progressive Caucus on Tuesday rescinded a letter it sent to the Biden administration advocating for diplomatic talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin over the ongoing war in Ukraine.

In an official memo written by Rep. Pramila Jayapal, D-Wash., leading figures in the Democrats' liberal wing advised the administration to seek a ceasefire and make diplomatic overtures to Moscow to that end, per The Hill.

"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," the memo read.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has remained adamantly opposed to negotiating with Putin or considering any deal that would cede Ukrainian territory, including Crimea. The Biden administration has thus far encouraged Zelensky's absolutist posture on Kyiv's war aims, even in the face of prospective nuclear escalation of the conflict.

The memo sparked considerable backlash and criticisms that the caucus was aligning with congressional Republicans who have vowed to restrict further support to Ukraine. The caucus ultimately issued a retraction of the memo, asserting that they did not vet the text prior to its release nor consider the inopportune political timing of its release, given the upcoming midterm elections.

"Every war ends with diplomacy, and this one will too after Ukrainian victory," Jayapal said in the retraction. "The letter sent yesterday, although restating that basic principle, has been conflated with GOP opposition to support for the Ukrainians' just defense of their national sovereignty. As such, it is a distraction at this time and we withdraw the letter."

"The letter was drafted several months ago, but unfortunately was released by staff without vetting. As Chair of the Caucus, I accept responsibility for this," she said. "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."

Russia invaded Ukraine on Feb. 24 of this year and the conflict appears poised to continue indefinitely. Recent Russian tactical strikes have reportedly destroyed at least 30% of Ukraine's energy grid, leaving the country facing a prospective energy catastrophe as the winter fast approaches.