US Democratic House Representatives Urge Biden to Engage in Direct Ceasefire Talks with Russia

Fatigue and Public Opinion Worsen Due to Prolonged War
Support Expected to Decrease if Republicans Win Midterm Elections

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] Democratic members of the U.S. House of Representatives have urged President Joe Biden to engage in direct ceasefire negotiations with Russia. They argue that the war must not be prolonged any further amid growing fatigue from the prolonged conflict and the spread of global inflationary damage. It is also reported that negative public opinion toward military support for Ukraine is increasing within the United States.

According to the Washington Post (WP) on the 24th (local time), 30 members of the Congressional Progressive Caucus (CPC) belonging to the Democratic Party jointly sent a letter to President Biden on the same day, urging him to initiate direct ceasefire negotiations with Russia to prevent further prolongation of the war.

In the letter, they emphasized, "Considering the destructive situation in Ukraine and the world caused by the war and the risk of the situation deteriorating desperately, it is in the interest of both Ukraine and the United States to avoid a longer war," adding, "For these reasons, we urge the President to simultaneously pursue military and economic support for Ukraine along with active diplomatic efforts."

Public opinion in the U.S. is also showing increased fatigue over the prolonged Ukraine war, with more people responding negatively to continued support. According to WP, a recent Pew Research poll showed that the percentage of Americans concerned about Ukraine losing the war dropped from 55% in May to 38% last month. Additionally, among Republican supporters, those who believe the U.S. is providing too much support to the war surged from 9% in March to 32% last month.

However, the Biden administration continues to emphasize the need to support Ukraine. White House spokesperson Karine Jean-Pierre stated at a press briefing that "the issue of dialogue with Russia is a matter for Ukraine to decide," and stressed, "The U.S. will continue to provide support to Ukraine as long as necessary." She further criticized, "This unjustified and brutal war was started by Russian President Vladimir Putin, and he could end it even today."

If the Republican Party wins the midterm elections, there are forecasts that discussions to reduce support for Ukraine will intensify in the U.S. Congress. Earlier, on the 17th, House Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy stated that if the Republicans win the House in the midterm elections, they will not give Ukraine a 'blank check' and plan to adjust the scale of support for Ukraine. Currently, the U.S. House is expected to have a Republican majority following the midterm elections on November 8, and if the Republicans become the majority, McCarthy is considered a candidate for the next Speaker of the House.

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