United States | Progressive lawmakers have pushed back on calls for Biden to negotiate with Moscow

Pramila Jayapal, of the progressive wing of the Democratic Party, took responsibility for the embarrassing backlash, saying the letter in question was made public on Monday without a proper approval process.

In this document, these thirty elected progressives called on the American president to “deploy stronger diplomatic efforts in support of a negotiated settlement and cease-fire, (and) engage in direct negotiations with Russia.”

This position, motivated by concerns about the risk of escalation between Russia and NATO, contrasts with support Joe Biden has received from Democrats for his open support for Ukraine and a policy of toughness against Ukraine.-Moscow’s side .

M^me Jayapal regretted that the letter was linked to the recent comments made by House Republican leader Kevin McCarthy.

He recently stated that his party would not sign a “blank check” if Ukraine wins, as polls predict a majority of House seats in the Nov. 8 midterm elections.

The temporal proximity of these statements and the publication of this letter “created an unfortunate appearance for the Democrats […] (Ukrainian) President Zelensky somehow allied with Republicans who want to withdraw US support,” Pramila Jayapal said in a statement.