We can’t afford US Congress wavering in its support for Ukraine | Steven Pifer

Kevin McCarthy's warning of no blank check' and progressive Democrats' premature call for negotiations were unfortunate

On 24 October, 30 members of the House Democratic Progressive Caucus released a letter to President Biden calling for a proactive diplomatic push" on Kyiv to work toward a ceasefire and direct [US] engagement" with Moscow to end the Russia-Ukraine war. One week earlier, Republican House leader Kevin McCarthy's no blank check" for Ukraine comment raised questions about future congressional support for US assistance to that embattled country.

The letter, even though it has now been withdrawn, and McCarthy's comment are unfortunate. Vladimir Putin will take encouragement from both as Russia wages its war. The suggestion of cracks in US backing for Ukraine will increase his incentives to continue fighting.