Democratic lawmakers are calling on Biden to adjust his strategy in Ukraine

Left-leaning U.S. Democratic lawmakers on Monday called on President Joe Biden, who has provided billions of dollars in military aid to Ukraine in the face of a Russian invasion, to step up diplomatic efforts and engage in direct talks with Moscow. Objective: A quick end to the war.

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This is the first time such a call has come from the President’s own party.

“We call on you to complement the economic and military support provided by the United States to Ukraine with a proactive diplomatic push, and to redouble our efforts to seek a realistic framework for a ceasefire,” they said. The letter makes clear that they are against the “illegal and outrageous” invasion of Ukraine and that any settlement must be approved by Kiev.

“But as lawmakers responsible for how tens of thousands of U.S. taxpayer dollars are spent on military assistance in this conflict, we believe that such involvement in this war creates a responsibility for the United States to actively explore all possible options,” they added.

Among them are Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Ilhan Omar and Pramila Jayapal, who are prominent figures in the party’s progressive wing.

Elected Officers Mr. They called on Biden to “deploy vigorous diplomatic efforts in favor of a negotiated settlement and cease-fire, and to engage in direct negotiations with Russia.” [et] To explore the prospects for a new European security agreement acceptable to all parties”.

Asked about the letter, State Department spokesman Ned Price said, “No one wants to see this war end more than our Ukrainian counterparts.

“We don’t know when this will happen. […]Because we don’t see any indication that the Russians are willing to engage in this diplomacy and this dialogue,” he added.

“We are giving our Ukrainian partners what they need on the battlefield so that when the negotiating table emerges, they are in the strongest possible position,” he said.

According to White House spokeswoman Karine Jean-Pierre, the administration said it was “very clear: There is nothing in Ukraine without Ukraine.”

Since the invasion began, the Biden administration has provided Ukraine with billions of dollars in military aid, a bipartisan deal in Congress, though some right-wing Republicans have objected to the aid.

An influential Republican elected official recently warned that his party won’t sign a “blank check” if it wins Ukraine, as polls predict a majority in the House of Representatives in the midterm elections.