Dear Friend,

Over the past 48 hours, since the release of a proposed peace plan to end Russia’s illegal war against Ukraine, one thing has become clear: this proposal favors Putin's desired outcome.  

A real peace deal must follow three fundamentals:

1. A peace deal cannot reward the aggressor.
2. A peace deal cannot punish the nation that was invaded.
3. A peace deal must reflect the values of free and democratic nations.

Ukraine cannot be sidelined from negotiations. Europe cannot be sidelined from negotiations. Any process that excludes the attacked nation and the allies who have defended democracy is not a peace process — it’s expedience dressed up as diplomacy.

Country First members have remained steadfast in their support for Ukraine because you understand a simple truth: defending democracy abroad strengthens democracy at home. Thank you for standing on the right side of history.

And let’s be clear about what a real peace deal looks like:

Vladimir Putin ends his illegal invasion of a sovereign nation and withdraws all Russian troops immediately.
That is peace. Nothing less.

Adam Kinzinger