Representative Pramila Jayapal, chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, has announced the withdrawal of the controversial letter calling for a shift in Ukraine strategy after it evoked backlash from the Democrats.
The letter that was released on Monday was reportedly penned by 30 liberal House members. It urged President Joe Biden to pursue direct diplomacy with Russia. However, immediately after it came out, many democrats said they did not endorse releasing it this week, considering how the war has turned out in recent days, reported CNN.
In a statement, Jayapal claimed the letter was released by staff without proper vetting and said it "improperly conflated her caucus’ position with GOP divisions over providing more aid to Ukraine aid, which Democrats back. "
Withdrawing the letter, Jayapal said it was drafted several months ago but, unfortunately, was released by staff without vetting. "As Chair of the Caucus, I accept responsibility for this," Jayapal added in the statement.
The letter, which praises Biden for his efforts in aiding Ukraine, also called on him to avoid direct US involvement on the ground. The liberals asked for diplomacy to bring the war to an end. "Given the destruction created by this war for Ukraine and the world, as well as the risk of catastrophic escalation, we also believe it is in the interests of Ukraine, the United States, and the world to avoid a prolonged conflict," the letter read.
"For this reason, 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," it read.
The U-turn came after many Democrats protested against the timing of the letter, considering how close the mid-term elections were. Many who signed the letter said they did it months ago and were "caught off-guard" when it came out on Monday. Some said they wouldn’t sign it again and issued statements expressing support for Ukraine.
"Timing in diplomacy is everything. I signed this letter on June 30, but a lot has changed since then. I wouldn't sign it today," Representative Sara Jacobs said on Twitter. Representative Jamie Raskin, who also signed, said he was glad to learn it had been withdrawn and noted "its unfortunate timing and other flaws."
Mark Pocan, the former leader of the progressive caucus, was another house rep who signed it in June. He told CNN he found it "puzzling it was sent out this week after he signed it this summer." "I would not support it being released now, he said, adding that releasing it now didn't make much sense.
This comes as Ukraine has been launching a successful counter-offensive in the eastern and southern parts of the country against invading Russian troops.
Meanwhile, state Department spokesperson Ned Price said both Democrats and Republicans support continued assistance for Ukraine and he did not think the letter would put U.S. support into question.
"In recent days, we've heard from Democrats, we've heard from Republicans, that they understand the need to continue to stand with Ukraine, to stand for the principles that are at play here," he was quoted by Reuters.