Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading

House progressives withdraw Ukraine letter after backlash

The Congressional Progressive Caucus on Tuesday announced it is withdrawing a letter to President Biden calling on him to couple military aid to Ukraine with a "proactive diplomatic push" to end hostilities with Russia.

Why it matters: The letter appeared to indicate that some on the Democratic Party’s left flank were advocating a softening of U.S. policy towards the war in Ukraine, though several members who signed on now say that’s not their position.


Driving the news: Progressive Caucus Chair Pramila Jayapal, echoing the claims of some signees, said the letter was drafted "several months ago" and "unfortunately was released by staff without vetting."

  • "As Chair of the Caucus, I accept responsibility for this," Jayapal wrote, calling the letter a "distraction" because it was conflated with conservative objections to Ukraine aid.
  • "Nothing could be further from the truth. Every war ends with diplomacy, and this one will too after Ukrainian victory," Jayapal said.

The backdrop: The letter spurred swift rebukes from fellow Democrats, both privately and in public.

  • Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) told Semafor Tuesday he disagreed with the letter and said the caucus was right to withdraw it, saying the Russia's invasion "has to be resisted."
  • "The suggestion that we make concessions on behalf of Ukraine is presumptuous, out of touch, and would only embolden Putin," tweeted Rep. Seth Moulton (D-Mass.).
  • Rep. Jake Auchincloss (D-Mass.) called the letter an "olive branch to a war criminal who’s losing his war."
Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.