In a letter sent to Joe Biden, the Democratic congressmen urged the president to add to the military and economic support for Ukraine a proactive diplomatic push to redouble efforts to reach a ceasefire
President Joe Biden saw his strategy regarding the war in Ukraine questioned on Monday with a letter in which thirty Democratic congressmen request a direct approach to Russia to seek a ceasefire.
The letter sent to the president alleges that the “destruction” caused by this conflict since the beginning of the Russian invasion on February 24 makes Ukraine, the United States and the rest of the world “interested” in preventing it from continuing.
“For this reason, we urge you to add to the military and economic support that the United States has given Ukraine a proactive diplomatic boost and to redouble efforts to seek a realistic framework for a ceasefire,” stresses that letter headed by Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal .
It is the first time that leading members of his own party have publicly called on him to change his approach.
The group wants him to carry out “intensive” diplomatic efforts in support of a negotiated ceasefire agreement, to enter into “direct” talks with Russia and to explore the possibilities of a new European security pact acceptable to all parties. allow an “independent and sovereign” Ukraine.
If there is a way to end this conflict while preserving the independence of that country, “it is the responsibility of the United States to pursue that diplomatic path to support a solution that is acceptable to the Ukrainians,” say the signatories, among whom is Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.
The desired framework, they say, could include “incentives to end hostilities, including some form of sanctions relief, and bring the international community together to lay down guarantees for a free and independent Ukraine that are acceptable to all parties, in particular the Ukrainians.”
“The alternative to diplomacy is a prolonged war,” warn the congressmen, who recall that the current conflict has already driven an increase in gasoline and food prices in the country.
The letter agrees with the Biden Administration that it is not up to Washington to pressure the Ukrainian Executive on sovereign decisions.
“But as lawmakers responsible for spending tens of billions of taxpayer dollars on military assistance in the conflict, we believe that involvement in this war also creates a responsibility for the United States to seriously explore all possible avenues, including direct approach to Russia”, they conclude.
The Caucus of Progressive Congressmen, chaired by Japayal, recalled on Monday that according to a poll from the end of September, 57% of Americans are in favor of starting diplomatic negotiations to end the war, even if that implies that Ukraine must make certain concessions.