Committee of the US Congress Democrats They have urged President Joe Biden to continue direct engagement with Russia to end the war in Ukraine, while still maintaining existing military and economic commitments to Kyiv.
“Considering the destruction created by this war Ukraine and the world, as well as the risk of escalating catastrophe, we … believe that avoiding a protracted conflict is in the interests of Ukraine, the United States, and the world,” the 30 Democrats wrote in a letter to Biden.
“For this reason, we urge you to combine the military and economic support provided by the United States to Ukraine with a proactive diplomatic push.
Among the 30 signatories to the letter, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Ilhan Omar, Rashida Tlaib and Ayanna Pressley are members of the party’s most progressive wing, collectively known as “The Squad.”
The letter was written under the leadership of Representative Pramila Jayapal, President of the Congress Progressive Committee.
“As legislators responsible for spending tens of billions of American taxpayer dollars on military aid, we believe that such involvement in this war creates a responsibility for the United States to seriously consider all possible avenues, including direct engagement with Russia,” they wrote.
Asked for comment, State Department spokesman Ned Price said: “Now, we have heard repeatedly from our Ukrainian partners that this war can only be ended through diplomacy and dialogue. We have not heard any kind of reciprocal statement from Moscow that they are willing in good faith to engage in that diplomacy and dialogue.
Washington has committed about $66bn to Ukraine since Russia invaded in late February, providing weapons and other military aid, humanitarian aid and economic support.
With the Nov. 8 midterm elections just two weeks away, the letter will determine which party controls Congress.
Some Republicans have warned of tighter controls on funding for Ukraine if their party wins control of Congress.
House Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy recently said that if Republicans win control of the chamber from Biden’s fellow Democrats, there will be no “empty check” on Ukraine, raising concerns that Republicans could cut aid to Ukraine.
However, analysts said the party is more likely to slow it down or withdraw it.
