Title: Support for Providing Weapons to Ukraine Decreases Among Americans, According to Reuters/Ipsos Poll
Subtitle: Concerns Arise as Ukraine Relies Heavily on US Arms to Defend Against Russian Invasion
According to a recent Reuters/Ipsos poll, support for providing weapons to Ukraine is dwindling among Americans from both major political parties. The survey, conducted online and nationwide, revealed that only 41% of respondents agreed with the statement that the US should provide weapons to Ukraine, compared to 35% who disagreed, with the rest unsure.
This decline in support is particularly concerning for Ukraine, as the country heavily relies on US arms to fend off a Russian invasion. In May, a previous poll showed that 46% of Americans supported sending arms to Ukraine, while 29% were opposed.
The poll coincides with congressional leaders in the United States who are currently debating President Joe Biden’s request for an additional $24 billion in funding for Ukraine, $17 billion of which would be allocated for defense aid. Ukrainian forces have been utilizing US-supplied tanks, rockets, and ammunition to defend themselves since Russia’s invasion in February 2022.
Some Republicans, particularly those close to former President Donald Trump, oppose providing aid to Ukraine. However, the recent decline in support for weapons shipments can be attributed to changing views among Biden’s Democrats. While support for arming Ukraine remains stronger among Democrats, with 52% in favor, this figure has dropped from 61% in May. Among Republicans, support has fallen to 35% from 39%.
Interestingly, 34% of Democrats believe that Ukraine’s problems should not be the US’ business, and that interference should be avoided. This stance is contrasted by 56% of Republicans who hold a similar view.
The declining support for weapons shipments could potentially have a negative impact on congressional support and the prospects for additional aid packages. To counteract this trend, experts suggest that better messaging is needed to emphasize how much of the allocated aid money for Ukraine remains in the US, supporting jobs at domestic weapons producers.
In response to the poll findings, President Biden has expressed plans to deliver a major speech in the near future to outline why it is necessary for the US to continue supporting Ukraine.
The Reuters/Ipsos poll surveyed 1,005 US adults online and nationwide, with a credibility interval of about 4 percentage points in either direction.
Overall, the waning support for providing weapons to Ukraine among Americans underscores the complex geopolitical dynamics surrounding the ongoing conflict and the challenges that lie ahead for Ukraine’s defense efforts.
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