As the Russian invasion of Ukraine nears its eighth month, a clear majority of Americans would rather the United States back Ukraine in gaining back it’s territory from Russia-even if that means prolonging a war rather than ceding to Russia.
A Gallup web poll conducted August 1-22, just before a Ukrainian counteroffensive forced Russian troops to retreat said that nearly four in five democrats want the United States to support Ukraine in reclaiming territory. While half of Republicans agree, nearly as many (46%) would rather see a quick end to the conflict.
American views on the Russia-Ukraine conflict also differ by age and education. Adults aged 65 and older are more likely to favor Ukraine in reclaiming their territory despite a prolonged conflict. While support for Ukraine increases with education, 59% with no college experience to 74% with a postgraduate education.
However, even more Americans say that the United States isn’t doing enough. 38% say the U.S isn’t doing enough, 36% say they’re doing the right amount and 24% say the U.S is doing too much. Democrats and those with a postgraduate education (46% each) are more likely to say that the U.S isn’t doing enough. 30% of Republicans and 31% of adults with no college education agree. The gap is even wider in regard that the U.S is doing too much. This opinion is held by 43% of Republicans, 28% of Independents but only 9% of Democrats.
While 38% of Americans polled by Gallup believed the United States isn’t doing enough to help Ukraine, 36% say the Biden administration is doing just enough, likely encouraging the administration in stay the course and ignore conservative calls to dial back involvement or heed to hawkish calls to do more.