Title: US Opposition to Funding Ukraine’s Military Operations against Russia Declines, Poll Finds
Author: Josh Christenson
Published: Nov. 23, 2023, 12:20 p.m. ET
A recent poll conducted by the Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research has revealed a decline in US opposition to funding Ukraine’s military operations against Russia. The survey, conducted in November, found that 45% of Americans believe the government is spending too much on aid to Ukraine, compared to 52% in October.
The poll also showed a decrease in opposition to Ukraine aid among Republicans, with 59% now opposed, down from 69% in the previous month. This shift comes in the aftermath of House Republicans electing Mike Johnson (R-La.) to replace former Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) after infighting over government funding and aid to Ukraine.
The decline in opposition to Ukraine aid is also reflected in the fact that around 4 in 10 Americans support direct US government funding to Ukraine, including 54% of Democrats and 24% of Republicans.
The survey also delved into the political dynamics surrounding Ukraine aid, noting that eight Republicans led by Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) voted to oust McCarthy, accusing him of striking “a secret side deal” with President Biden to further fund Ukraine’s military effort.
Since Johnson’s assumption of the role of Speaker, he has expressed a commitment to sending more US aid to Ukraine, albeit with certain “accountability” measures in place. This stance has garnered support from House GOP lawmakers, who have stated that any Ukraine assistance would be tied to further border security funding, a condition echoed by a chorus of Senate Republicans.
The poll also found that just 48% of Americans endorse providing weapons to Kyiv for the war effort, with 57% of Democrats and 42% of Republicans supporting the idea.
However, concerns over Russia’s influence and the potential threat it poses to the US are shared by a majority of both Democrats (53%) and Republicans (51%). Additionally, 45% of US adults say their country should take “a less active role” in solving the world’s problems.
The survey also probed perceptions of Ukraine as a key ally, with the same percentage of US adults (45%) deeming Ukraine a key ally that shares US interests and values.
The AP-NORC poll surveyed 1,239 US adults from Nov. 2 to 6, with a margin of error of plus or minus 3.9 percentage points. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin also visited Kyiv recently, reaffirming US support for Ukraine in its conflict with Russia.
As the dynamics surrounding US aid to Ukraine continue to evolve, it is clear that public opinion and political stances on the matter are in a state of flux, and it remains to be seen how these shifts will impact the trajectory of US support for Ukraine in the months ahead.