Americans’ views on aid to Ukraine are influenced by their perceptions of Russia, the U.S.’ role in the world, and partisan divides, with former President Donald Trump’s influence still present within the Republican Party. Those who trust Trump for information are less likely to support aid to Ukraine than those who trust the Pentagon, conservative media, or the State Department. Self-identified “MAGA” Republicans, who overwhelmingly trust Trump, are particularly opposed to providing aid to Ukraine.
There is a correlation between how individuals view Russia today and their support for aid to Ukraine. Those who see Russia as an enemy of the U.S. are more likely to support aid, although this view may be influenced by age as well as ideology. Older Republicans and Democrats are more likely to view Russia as an enemy, possibly due to their experiences during the Cold War. Interestingly, those who believe the U.S. won the Cold War are more likely to consider Russia an enemy and support aid to Ukraine.
The perceived effectiveness of aid in stopping Russian military action in Europe also impacts support for providing aid to Ukraine. Those who view aid as a moral issue or believe in the U.S.’ responsibility to promote democracy globally are more likely to support assistance to Ukraine. Overall, there is a connection between attitudes towards aid, Russia, and global responsibilities in shaping individuals’ views on providing support to Ukraine.
A CBS News/YouGov survey conducted with a nationally representative sample of 2,399 U.S. adult residents in April 2024 revealed these trends. The survey found that memories of the Cold War vary among Americans, with some indicating they do not remember it well enough to determine whether the U.S. won or lost. The margin of error for the survey is approximately 2.6 percentage points.
In conclusion, Americans’ opinions on aid to Ukraine are complex and influenced by a combination of factors, including perceptions of Russia, partisan divides, Cold War nostalgia, and beliefs in moral responsibility and global democracy promotion. The influence of former President Donald Trump within the Republican Party also plays a role in shaping views on providing aid to Ukraine. As the conflict between Ukraine and Russia continues, understanding these various influences can provide insight into public attitudes towards the ongoing crisis.
