House Progressives Retract Letter Asking Biden to Negotiate with Putin to End War in Ukraine

House progressives are backtracking on a letter they sent to President Biden asking him to directly negotiate with Russia to end the conflict in Ukraine.

The Congressional Progressive Caucus issued an apology and clarification Monday, noting that the bloc wanted to avoid the impression that they supported House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy’s recent insinuation that a GOP-controlled Congress would discontinue aid to war-battered Ukraine.

“The letter was drafted several months ago, but unfortunately was released by staff without vetting. As Chair of the Caucus, I accept responsibility for this,” Democratic Representative Pramila Jayapal, caucus chairwoman, wrote. “Because of the timing, our message is being conflated by some as being equivalent to the recent statement by Republican Leader McCarthy threatening an end to aid to Ukraine if Republicans take over.”

The letter was reportedly written over the summer but only went live on Monday for reasons that are unknown. Signed by 40 House progressives, it urged Biden to engage Russian President Vladimir Putin directly to strike a diplomatic deal that would cease hostilities. Given the letter’s was released days after McCarthy suggested a Republican House majority would reevaluate Ukrainian aid, many observers pointed out that the progressives seemed more aligned with the foreign policy vision of Republicans than their own leadership.