Americans Weigh in on Supporting Ukraine
Most Americans support helping Ukraine with military equipment, but they are split on how long the U.S. should be involved.
Most Americans support helping Ukraine with military equipment, but they are split on how long the U.S. should be involved.
WHY IT MATTERS—As the weather gets colder, military action in Ukraine becomes more difficult. This can create the perception of a stalemate, which could increase calls for a peace settlement.
SHIFTING SUPPORT – In November, Chicago Council Surveys conducted a follow-up poll to its July poll on support for American policy in Ukraine. It revealed:
48 percent believe the U.S. should support Ukraine “as long as it takes,” a decrease of 10 points since July
47 percent believe the U.S. should urge Ukraine to settle for peace as soon as possible, an increase of 9 points since July
The November poll also asked which side had the advantage in the war:
26 percent said Russia
26 percent said Ukraine
46 percent said Neither
These perceptions greatly influenced how respondents chose when asked which of three options for U.S. policy toward Ukraine they preferred. Overall:
40 percent prefer maintaining the current level of support indefinitely, compared to 56 percent of those who think Ukraine has the advantage
27 percent prefer intervening militarily to end the war in favor of Ukraine as quickly as possible, compared to 33 percent of those who believe Russia has the advantage
29 percent prefer gradually withdrawing U.S. support for Ukraine, compared to 36 percent of those who believe Russia has the advantage
There was also a significant partisan difference in support of the three options for U.S. policy despite similar views by party on who is currently winning.
53 percent of Democrats support indefinite support compared to 28 percent of Republicans
43 percent of Republicans support gradually withdrawing U.S. support for Ukraine compared to 19 percent of Democrats
BOTTOM LINE—On balance, Americans are still in favor of U.S. support for Ukraine to help them win the war, but that support is weakening as the conflict drags on.
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