Progressive Democrats on Tuesday abruptly withdrew a controversial letter calling on President Joe Biden to push harder for “diplomacy” to end Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, a message that appeared to undermine American unity behind Kyiv.
Rep. Pramila Jayapal, D-Wash., yanked the open letter, which was originally signed by 30 lawmakers, amid a firestorm of criticism from political foes and the White House alike.
Jayapal apologized for the letter, which was written over the summer and inexplicably released Monday, just two weeks before the midterm elections.
“The letter was drafted several months ago, but unfortunately was released by staff without vetting,” the Washington Democrat wrote in a statement. As chair of the caucus, Jayapal said she took responsibility for this.
The embarrassing U-turn came after several moderate Democrats fiercely attacked the progressives for undermining support for Ukraine just as Kyiv is making gains in ousting Russian forces from some occupied areas.
It also came days after House Republican Leader Rep. Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., warned that the GOP will not write a “blank check” for Ukraine if it retakes control of the House in the midterms.
Democrats, led by President Joe Biden, excoriated McCarthy for the funding threat, which they said could encourage Russian President Vladimir Putin to step up his attacks on Ukraine.
The White House was blindsided by the release of the progressives’ letter, which also appeared to parrot Kremlin talking points that Putin could be open to peace talks.
“This letter is an olive branch to a war criminal who’s losing his war,” said Jake Auchincloss, a moderate Massachusetts Democratic congressional candidate.
Several original signers of the letter said they no longer stood by it Tuesday, heaping pressure on Jayapal.
“I signed this letter on June 30, but a lot has changed since then,” Democratic Rep. Sara Jacobs of California said on Twitter. “I wouldn’t sign it today.”
Rep. Ro Khanna, D-Calif., said he still stands by the letter, calling it common sense to continue pushing for a diplomatic solution with Putin even as America sends billions in military aid to Ukraine.
———
