Majority of Americans think Ukraine victory is vital

An overwhelming majority of Americans think it is vital to US interests that Ukraine beats back Russia’s invasion, while over half think providing military aid to the cause is worth it, a new survey shows.

A Reagan Institute survey on national security issues found that 76% percent of Americans believe Kyiv’s victory is important to the United States, with a staggering number of Democrats (86%) and Republicans (71%) sharing this sentiment.

Fewer Americans, however, are as excited about propping up Ukraine’s wartime efforts, with 59% believing that Washington should continue to provide weapons and additional support.

The most common justification for this group was that standing up to Russia’s attack on Ukraine would deter Moscow from invading other neighboring countries.

Of the 30% of respondents who disapproved of continuing to provide aid to Ukraine, 57% said that the billions spent abroad would be better served fulfilling unmet needs back home.

Another 15% noted that they were concerned continued funding could provoke Russia’s ire, while 11% of respondents mentioned both concerns about corruption in Ukraine and the need to preserve U.S. weapons stockpiles as reasons to oppose any future aid.

The survey, which was released to the public Sunday, has come as Ukraine has finally begun its much-anticipated counter-offensive, with Kyiv’s forces clawing back control of at least eight villages that had previously been under Russian occupation.

Ukrainian soldiers also may have been aided by the short-lived armed rebellion last week led by Wagner chief Yegevny Prigozhin, which caused thousands of Russian fighters to be yanked from the frontlines to defend against threats of an attack on Moscow, experts said.

Sen. Ben Cardin (D-Maryland) told Fox News in response to the poll’s findings that Ukraine is the “front line for protection of our democracy.”

“We know that Mr. Putin would not stop with Ukraine, he would continue his efforts in Europe, and we’re not safe,” Cardin said. “So this is our front line and protect of our democracy, this is an investment in America.

“So yes, we have to deal with our domestic needs, but we have to also protect our national security. And we need to be part of helping Ukraine defend itself.” 

As to who is actually winning the war, Americans’ views were divided. Thirty-one percent of respondents said they think Ukraine has the upper hand in the bloody conflict, while 27% think Russia is dominating and 25% believe neither is on top at the moment. Another 17% said they have no idea.