A recent Reuters-Ipsos survey reveals that an increasing number of Americans are against providing additional military aid to Ukraine. This sentiment is seen across both Republicans and Democrats, with a significant decline in support since June.
The survey, published on Thursday, shows that only 41% of respondents agree that the US government should provide weapons to Ukraine. In contrast, 35% disagreed, and the remaining participants were unsure. These numbers indicate a sharp decline from a previous poll conducted in June, which showed 65% support for military aid at that time.
While Democrats have been more vocal in their support for arms shipments to Kiev, their support appears to be dwindling within the party as well. The latest poll reveals that only 52% of Democrats still back military aid, marking a steep drop from the 81% recorded in June, which coincided with the start of Ukraine’s counter-offensive.
Among Republicans, 35% of respondents stated their support for weapons transfers in the recent survey, down from 56% in June.
The issue of continued aid to Ukraine has become a contentious topic in the US Congress, particularly as lawmakers negotiate a long-term spending package to avoid a government shutdown before November 17. Initially, a stopgap measure included billions in aid for Ukraine, but Republicans successfully pushed for its removal from the legislation.
Despite reassurances from the Pentagon that a federal budget crisis would not impact US aid to Ukraine, senior administration officials have expressed concerns about a potential “lapse in support” in the event of a government shutdown. US State Department spokesman Vedant Patel emphasized the importance of uninterrupted support, stating that even a brief delay could make a significant difference on the battlefield.
President Joe Biden has indicated that officials are exploring alternative methods to ensure aid continues to flow to Ukraine if lawmakers fail to reach a deal by their November deadline. He plans to address Congress on the importance of ongoing support for Kiev, emphasizing that it is overwhelmingly in the interests of the United States for Ukraine to succeed.
Since the conflict with Russia escalated in February 2022, Washington has provided more than $45 billion in direct military aid to Ukraine, including tanks, artillery, air defense systems, drones, and munitions.
Moscow has consistently condemned foreign arms transfers, arguing that they would have little impact on deterring its military objectives and would only prolong the conflict. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov described the budget impasse in the US as a temporary phenomenon, implying that Washington will remain deeply involved in the conflict moving forward.
The survey results highlight a shift in public opinion regarding military aid to Ukraine, with fewer Americans supporting further arms shipments. This changing sentiment has created a political debate within Congress and raises questions about the future of US-Ukraine relations. As the deadline approaches for a long-term spending package, lawmakers will continue to navigate these sensitive issues.
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