Representative Pramila Jayapal, chair of the caucus, wrote in a statement Tuesday that the letter was drafted “several months ago.” She took responsibility for its release.

“Because of the timing, our message is being conflated by some as being equivalent to the recent statement by Republican Leader McCarthy threatening an end to aid to Ukraine if Republicans take over,” Jayapal wrote. “The proximity of these statements created the unfortunate appearance that Democrats, who have strongly and unanimously supported and voted for every package of military, strategic, and economic assistance to the Ukrainian people, are somehow aligned with Republicans who seek to pull the plug on American support for President Zelensky and the Ukrainian forces.”

Her mention of Representative Kevin McCarthy relates to a comment made by the House minority leader last week, in which he said the GOP would not sign a “blank check” for continued Ukrainian support should the Republicans take over the House majority.

While adding that “nothing could be further from the truth,” Jayapal added that the letter “is a distraction at this time.”

Heightened tensions in recent months regarding nuclear warfare appear to have been part of the impetus behind the letter.

The letter, addressed to President Joe Biden, expressed appreciation for Biden’s administrative policy “to enable the Ukrainian people, through their courageous fighting and heroic sacrifices, to deal a historic military defeat to Russia.”

The expenditures made by the United States in terms of security and economic aid to Ukraine were also mentioned, with signatories alluding to “a responsibility for the United States to seriously explore all possible avenues, including direct engagement with Russia, to reduce harm and support Ukraine in achieving a peaceful settlement.”

“Given the destruction created by this war for Ukraine and the world, as well as the risk of catastrophic escalation, we also believe it is in the interests of Ukraine, the United States, and the world to avoid a prolonged conflict,” the letter said. “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.”

Nonprofit groups that supported the now-rescinded letter include the Campaign For Peace Disarmament and Common Security, Just Foreign Policy, Friends Committee on National Legislation, MoveOn, Peace Action, Physicians for Social Responsibility, the Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft, and Win Without War.

“The economic impact of the war and sanctions has millions around the world facing starvation, and escalating U.S. involvement has sapped money for urgent domestic priorities while increasing the odds of apocalyptic nuclear war with Russia,” said Erik Sperling, executive director of Just Foreign Policy and former Ukraine policy staffer in Congress, in a statement.

Marcus Stanley, advocacy director for the Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft, said the letter was the first instance in which “prominent Democratic elected officials” publicly called for diplomacy to pair with Ukraine’s self-defense, calling their leadership “crucial and welcome.”

Stanley told Newsweek that the Quincy Institute stands by its views on diplomacy, and that it does not contradict a military commitment to Ukraine that it also supports.

“Given that the possibility of nuclear war is openly being discussed now, and that informed observers seem to admit that no decisive military victory for either side will occur any time soon, we believe it is vital for diplomatic efforts to be a part of the U.S. approach to this conflict,” Stanley said.

“The firestorm of establishment criticism that immediately targeted the letter and led to its retraction shows a dangerous unwillingness to even allow discussion of diplomacy in the public discourse. That says something disturbing and dangerous about the environment in D.C. today.”

After the original letter was disseminated, the caucus provided a follow-up statement clarifying its point of view—saying that Democrats are united in their “unequivocal commitment to supporting Ukraine in their fight for their democracy and freedom in the face of the illegal and outrageous Russian invasion.”

“Diplomacy is an important tool that can save lives—but it is just one tool,” said the follow-up remarks.

Some progressives have already distanced themselves from the letter that they previously signed, mentioning the timing of their signatures with the letter’s actual release.

“I signed this letter on June 30, but a lot has changed since then. I wouldn’t sign it today,” wrote signatory and California Representative Sara Jacobs in a tweet. “We have to continue supporting Ukraine economically and militarily to give them the leverage they need to end this war.”

Wisconsin Representative Mark Pocan, who also signed the letter, called it “bad timing” in a tweet.

“It was trying to get to a cease-fire & diplomacy as others were banging war drums, not criticizing Biden,” Pocan wrote. “I’ve supported the efforts & will continue.”

Representative Ilhan Omar, the caucus whip, seemed to blame whoever released the months-old letter.

“Timing is everything in public policy, letters are written to respond to a moment and in politics moments pass in the speed of light,” Omar tweeted. “In this particular case, the letter was a response to intel we were getting on the war and the pathway forward.”

Newsweek reached out to Jayapal, Omar, Representative Katie Porter (the caucus’ deputy chair, who did not sign the letter) and Senator Bernie Sanders, who also did not sign the letter but is the lone senator to be part of the caucus.

Update 10/25/22, 4:20 p.m. ET: This story was updated with comment from Marcus Stanley.