Thirty House Democrats told President Biden Monday that they want him to engage with Russian President Vladimir Putin to negotiate an end to Putin’s war on Ukraine.

“[W]e also believe it is in the interests of Ukraine, the United States and the world to avoid a prolonged conflict,” the lawmakers wrote in a letter. “For this reason, we urge you to pair the military and economic support the United States has provided to Ukraine with a proactive diplomatic push, redoubling efforts to seek a realistic framework for a ceasefire.”

Republicans have appeared in recent weeks to be split on the future of the U.S. role in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, as On Base reported. House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.), who has his eyes on the Speaker’s gavel, told Punchbowl News that a GOP-controlled Congress would not write a “blank check” to Ukraine. His Republican colleagues have since said that most in their caucus support aid to Ukraine but want more oversight.

DOD photo by U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Brittany A. Chase