Olive branch to a war criminal’: Auchincloss derides diplomatic push with Russia
Massachusetts Congressman Jake Auchincloss derided an effort Monday by 30 of his House Democratic colleagues urging President Joe Biden to shift his strategy on the Ukraine-Russia war, labeling their call to negotiate with Russian President Vladimir Putin “an olive branch to a war criminal.”
Auchincloss, the first-term representative of the commonwealth’s 4th congressional district, had sharp words for his liberal colleagues, who wrote in a letter to Biden that the United States should pair its hefty financial and military support for Ukraine with a “proactive diplomatic push” and a “redoubling” of efforts to achieve a cease-fire with Russia.
Biden has adamantly held that it will be the decision of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy if and when to negotiate with Russia, a position the group of Democrats said they supported. But they also said the United States had a responsibility “to seriously explore all possible avenues” toward peace — “including direct engagement with Russia.”
“This letter is an olive branch to a war criminal who’s losing his war,” Auchincloss tweeted. “Ukraine is on the march. Congress should be standing firmly behind [President Biden’s] effective strategy, including tighter - not weaker! - sanctions.”
Auchincloss was not alone in his criticism of the letter, signed by roughly a third of Progressive Democrats in the House, including Rep. Pramila Jayapal, chair of the House Progressive Caucus. Many other Democrats also pushed back on the possibility of pairing aid to Ukraine with peace talks with Russia, the Washington Post reported.
In response, Jayapal issued a statement later Monday “clarifying” that the group of House Progressives still supported Ukraine and Biden’s goal to let the country dictate any ceasefire negotiations.
“Let me be clear: we are united as Democrats in our unequivocal commitment to supporting Ukraine in their fight for their democracy and freedom in the face of the illegal and outrageous Russian invasion,” Jayapal said, according to the Post. “Diplomacy is an important tool that can save lives — but it is just one tool.”
By Tuesday afternoon, the members of the House Progressive Caucus had withdrawn their letter to Biden, blaming staff Jayapal said had failed to vet the letter.
Source:
Will Katcher