At first it looks as if left-wing US Democrats are demanding a change of course from President Biden. But they are now withdrawing their call for negotiations with Russia. The timing is unfavorable, they justify the step. Previously, there had been strong criticism of the claim.
30 MPs from US President Joe Biden's Democratic Party have withdrawn their letter in which they suggested direct negotiations between the US and Russia to end the war more quickly. The letter was written months ago and sent by employees without approval, said MP Pramila Jayapal.
The timing is unfavorable, since the Republicans in the House of Representatives had recently signaled that they wanted to put the brakes on aid to Ukraine if they won the November elections, she wrote. That is not the position of the Democrats - but unfortunately looked like it. Therefore the letter is withdrawn.
The letter published on Monday was sharply criticized in the United States. The White House reiterated that it would not hold talks with Russia without Ukraine's participation. In their letter, the Democratic MPs had condemned the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine and praised the previous US aid for the country, but at the same time suggested that Biden change course.
It was necessary to combine support for Ukraine with proactive diplomatic efforts in order to "find a realistic framework for a ceasefire," the letter said. Such a framework could include easing sanctions and security guarantees for a free and independent Ukraine, "which are acceptable to all parties, especially the Ukrainians."
Now Jayapal struck a different tone: "Every war ends with diplomacy - and so does this one, after a Ukrainian victory." Among the signers of the letter were some well-known MPs such as Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Ilhan Omar and Jamie Raskin.
It was the first time a larger group of Democratic members of Congress had suggested changes to Ukraine policy. The Republicans are given a good chance of winning the majority in the House of Representatives in November. During the election campaign, they denounce, among other things, the high inflation for which they hold the Democrats responsible, while it is also a consequence of Russia's war of aggression.
