The US is Ukraine's main supporter in its resistance to Russian aggression. But in Washington, concerns about the previous strategy are increasing. From the ranks of the Democrats comes the demand for negotiations with Moscow.
In the US, 30 MPs from US President Joe Biden's Democratic Party have written a letter to the White House suggesting that the door be kept open for direct negotiations with Moscow in order to bring the war to an end more quickly. In their letter, the Democratic MPs condemned Russia's 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 is necessary to combine support for Ukraine with proactive diplomatic efforts, with efforts "to find a realistic framework for a ceasefire," the letter says. It is America's responsibility to seek a diplomatic solution acceptable to the Ukrainian people. 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."
Among the signers of the letter are some well-known MPs such as Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Ilhan Omar and Jamie Raskin. It is the first time a larger group of Democratic members of Congress has suggested changes to Ukraine policy.
In response to the letter, the White House reiterated that the US will not conduct direct negotiations with Russia in the Ukraine war without Kiev's participation. That's what they said from the start, "and that remains the approach," said the National Security Council's communications director, John Kirby.
Kirby emphasized that from the US point of view only the Ukrainians should decide on negotiations. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said it was not the time to negotiate an agreement with Kremlin chief Vladimir Putin. "We respect his opinion on this," Kirby said. "We will focus on him and his troops being successful on the battlefield" - so that Zelenskyj could then also be successful in any negotiations. And Zelenskyj decides when the right time for talks is - as well as what is to be assessed as success and victory and on what terms he wants to negotiate. Meanwhile, Putin could end the war at any time by withdrawing his troops.
Recently, concerns among US politicians about Biden's Ukraine course have increased. A few days ago, House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy hinted that his party might cut aid to Ukraine. The Republicans are said to have a good chance of gaining a majority in the House of Representatives in November's general election. In the election campaign, they denounce, among other things, the high inflation, for which they hold the Democrats responsible.
