- A group of Democratic liberals wants Joe Biden’s participation in negotiations with Russia.
- They stated that they would prefer to avoid a prolonged conflict with Russia and Ukraine.
- The US has given $60 billion to Ukraine in aid and said it is up to Kyiv to decide when to negotiate.
In the first signs of discord within the party about the White House strategy, a group of 30 Democratic liberals urged President Joe Biden not to stop talks with Russia.
In a letter addressed to Biden the lawmakers, led by Washington Rep. Pramila Jayapal, said that direct negotiations with Russia should be opened in order to avoid prolonging the war even further.
“Given the damage caused by this war for Ukraine (and the world), as well as the potential of catastrophic escalation and risk of escalation,” the House of Representatives members wrote.
“For this reason we urge you to combine the military and financial support that the United States has given to Ukraine with a proactive diploma push, redoubling efforts for a framework for a ceasefire,” said the letter.
The US strategy of arming Ukraine is not compatible with the recommendation to seek a ceasefire. It has publicly stated that Kyiv must decide when and how to negotiate.
Ukrainian officials repeatedly denied the idea of peace negotiations with Russia. Last month, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy It was stated that Russia is trying to annexe Ukrainian landThis meant that there was nothing to talk about as long Russia’s President Vladimir Putin continued to be in power.
Republicans, with a powerful isolationist wing of their party, could regain control in the November 8 midterms. This would complicate the picture for US aid to Ukraine.
Kevin McCarthy is the House Minority Leader It was stated that the GOP’s support for Ukraine aid cannot be guaranteed.Remarking that there wouldn’t be a “blank-check” for Kyiv, However, Last week, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell stated that the reverse was trueYou can pledge to help with further funding
The US provided Ukraine with assistance With more than $60 billionHumanitarian and military assistance since Russia’s unprovoked invasion of February.
According to the White House, it’s up to Ukraine to decide when they want to negotiate with Russia. However, some analysts think otherwiseThe US must be proactive in leading negotiations.
Calls for peace negotiations are criticized by those who claim that it would be appeasement to negotiate at this stage. They point out atrocities Russia has committed and the genocidal rhetoric of Russian state media and Kremlin officials.
Jaypal was criticized by some Democrats for his letter. Statement releasedThe letter was not meant to indicate a lack support for Biden’s position on Ukraine.
She wrote, “Let me make it clear: We are united in our unambiguous commitment to support Ukraine in their struggle for democracy and freedom.” “And nothing in this letter advocates for any change in that support.”
Ned Price, State Department spokesperson, said that no indication was given by the Kremlin that it was willing to engage in good-faith negotiations.
“Right now we have heard repeatedly from Ukrainian partners that the war will end only through diplomacy, dialogue and diplomacy. He said that Moscow has not made any statement or refrain that would indicate that they are willing to engage in diplomacy, dialogue.
