Progressive withdraws Ukraine letter on lack of proper scrutiny

A letter signed by 30 members of the parliamentary progressive caucuses encouraging a more diplomatic approach to the Russia-Ukraine conflict was withdrawn on Tuesday due to what it called a lack of scrutiny by staff.

Lawmaker Pramila Jayapal, who heads the caucuses, said in a statement on Tuesday that the letter was drafted “a few months ago.” She was responsible for its release.

“Because of the timing, our message has been confused as being on par with recent statements by Republican leader McCarthy who threatened to stop aid to Ukraine if the Republican Party takes over,” Jayapal said. “The proximity of these statements is a testament to the strong and unanimous support of the entire package of military, strategic and economic assistance to the Ukrainian people, and to the fact that the Democrats who have voted for them are willing to accept American pressure.” It created the unfortunate appearance of being in some way aligned with the Republicans who are trying to stop them from supporting President Zelensky and the Ukrainian military.”

She referred to Rep. Kevin McCarthy, the House minority leader who said Republicans would not sign a “blank check” to continue supporting Ukraine if they took over the House majority. Related to last week’s comment.

“Nothing is far from the truth,” Jayapal said, adding that the letter was “a distraction at this point.”

Rising tensions over nuclear war in recent months appear to have been part of the impetus behind the letter.

The letter to President Joe Biden expresses gratitude for Biden’s administrative policies that “through courageous fighting and heroic sacrifice, the Ukrainian people will enable Russia to suffer a historic military defeat.” did.

Expenditures made by the United States in terms of security and economic assistance to Ukraine were also mentioned, and the signatories “will use all possible means, including direct engagement with Russia, to mitigate damage and assist Ukraine.” to achieve a peaceful settlement, alluding to the United States’ responsibility to seriously consider ”

“Given the destruction and catastrophic escalation risks wrought on Ukraine and the world by this war, I believe it is in the interests of Ukraine, the United States and the world to avoid prolonging the conflict,” he said. “For this reason, we strongly recommend that the military and economic assistance provided by the United States to Ukraine be combined with aggressive diplomatic pressure to redouble efforts to seek a realistic framework for a ceasefire. increase.”

Nonprofits that supported the now-withdrawn letter include Campaign for Peace and Disarmament and Common Security, Foreign Policy for Justice, Friends of National Legislation, MoveOn, Peace Action, Physicians for Social Responsibility, and Quincy Responsible National Technology. There is an institute, win without war, and so on. .

Eric Sperling, Executive Director of Just Foreign Policy, said: “The economic impact of war and sanctions has left millions of people facing hunger around the world, and escalating U.S. involvement will Money is wasted on urgent domestic priorities, increasing the likelihood of an apocalyptic nuclear war with Russia,” said a former Ukrainian policy staffer in Congress.

Marcus Stanley, advocacy director at the Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft, said the letter was the first public call by a “prominent Democratic elected official” to combine diplomacy with Ukraine’s self-defense. and called their leadership “important and welcome”.

stanley said Newsweek The Quincy Institute endorses the view on foreign policy and is consistent with its endorsement of military involvement in Ukraine.

“Given that the possibility of nuclear war is now being openly debated, informed observers seem to agree that a decisive military victory for either side will not occur any time soon. And I believe it is essential that diplomatic efforts become part of the U.S. approach to this conflict,” Stanley said.

“The storm of regime criticism that quickly targeted the letter and led to its retraction demonstrates a dangerous reluctance to even allow diplomatic discussions in public discourse.

After the original letter was circulated, the caucuses issued a follow-up statement clarifying its views, saying that Democrats “faced what is illegal and outrageous to lead Ukraine in the fight for democracy and freedom.” We are united by a clear commitment to help.” Russian invasion. ”

“Diplomacy is an important tool to save lives, but it is only one tool.”

Some progressives have already distanced themselves from previously signed letters, referring to the timing of signing and the actual publication of the letter.

“I signed this letter on June 30th, but many things have changed since then. I will not be signing today. Tweet“We must continue to support Ukraine economically and militarily to give it the strength it needs to end this war.”

Wisconsin Representative Mark Pocan, who also signed the letter, said it was “bad timing.” Tweet.

“We were trying to achieve a ceasefire and diplomacy because other people were beating the war drum instead of criticizing Biden,” Pocan wrote. I will continue.”

Rep. Ilhan Omar, a caucus whip, appeared to blame the person who published the letter months ago.

“In public policy, timing is everything. Letters are written to respond to the moment, and in politics, moments fly by at the speed of light,” says Omar. murmured“In this particular case, the letter was a response to information that put us on the path of war and progress.”

Newsweek I contacted Jayapal, Omar, Congressman Katie Porter (the vice chair of the caucuses who did not sign the letter), and Senator Bernie Sanders.

Update 10/25/2022 4:20 PM: This article has been updated with Marcus Stanley’s comment.