Record-high level of Americans say US isn’t doing enough for Ukraine: new poll

A Growing Consensus: Americans Want More Support for Ukraine

A recent Gallup poll reveals a significant shift in public opinion regarding U.S. support for Ukraine, with a record-high 46% of Americans believing the country is not doing enough to assist its war-torn ally. This marks a substantial increase of 16 percentage points since December, as the conflict between Ukraine and Russia approaches its fourth year. The survey also shows that 30% of Americans feel the U.S. is overextending its support, while 23% believe the current level of aid is appropriate. This surge in concern for Ukraine reflects mounting pressure on the U.S. government to take a more active role in supporting Ukraine, particularly as President Trump has sought to de-escalate the conflict.

Trump’s Approach: Pauses, Restorations, and Diplomatic Efforts

President Trump has faced criticism for his handling of U.S. military aid to Ukraine, including a recent pause in assistance that sparked concerns among allies. However, the aid was fully restored last week, and the administration has continued to share intelligence with Ukraine. Tensions between Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky came to a head in a dramatic Oval Office meeting last month, where Zelensky openly challenged Trump and Vice President JD Vance over the issue of trusting Russia. Despite these challenges, the Trump administration has pushed forward with a cease-fire plan, which Ukraine agreed to after significant pressure.

The cease-fire, which lasts for 30 days, is intended to create space for negotiations between Ukraine and Russia. While the Kremlin rejected Trump’s broader proposal for a full cease-fire, it agreed to halt attacks on Ukraine’s energy and infrastructure during this period. This limited pause is seen as a step toward a larger peace agreement, though skepticism remains about Russia’s commitment to such a deal.

Divided Opinions: Party Lines and Policy Preferences

The Gallup poll highlights stark divisions in opinion along party lines. A whopping 79% of Democrats now believe the U.S. is not doing enough for Ukraine, a dramatic increase of 31 percentage points since December. Independents have also shifted significantly, with 46% expressing similar concerns, up 14 points from the previous poll. In contrast, only 12% of Republicans feel the U.S. has not provided sufficient support, a figure that has remained relatively stable.

These divisions are further reflected in opinions on the war’s endgame. While 53% of Americans now support Ukraine’s efforts to reclaim territory seized by Russia—a 5-point increase since December—45% prefer a quicker resolution to the conflict, aligning more closely with Trump’s approach. The ongoing debate over whether to prioritize territorial restoration or a swift end to the war underscores the complexity of the issue and the differing priorities among the U.S. public.

The Human Cost and Russia’s Compliance Concerns

Despite the diplomatic efforts, concerns about Russia’s intentions persist. A strong majority of Americans—79%—express worry that Russia will not abide by the terms of any agreement, reflecting deep skepticism about Moscow’s reliability. These concerns are compounded by the fact that nearly a fifth of Ukrainian territory remains under Russian control, with four major territories in the Donbas region effectively carved out by Russian forces.

Zelensky has remained resolute in his determination to reclaim these territories, though he has signaled openness to pursuing restoration through diplomatic means rather than continued warfare. The protracted nature of the conflict has left many Ukrainians and international observers weary, with 63% of Americans believing that neither side is truly winning the war. Only 26% think Russia is gaining the upper hand, while a mere 10% believe Ukraine is emerging victorious.

The Broader Implications: Public Sentiment and Policy Impact

The Gallup poll, conducted between March 3 and 11, sampled over 2,200 American adults and carries a margin of error of ±2 percentage points. The findings underscore a significant shift in public sentiment, with more Americans than ever calling for increased U.S. involvement in Ukraine. This shift may have implications for future policy decisions, particularly as the conflict shows no signs of resolution.

The poll also highlights the ongoing debate over the economic and human costs of U.S. involvement. While Trump has criticized the billions of dollars in aid provided to Ukraine, many Americans appear to be embracing a more robust role for the U.S. in supporting its ally. At the same time, the administration’s push for a mineral-rights agreement with Ukraine—a bid to recoup taxpayer dollars—reflects the complex interplay of economic and geopolitical interests at stake.

As the situation in Ukraine continues to evolve, the divergence in opinions among Americans serves as a reminder of the challenges of navigating foreign policy in a deeply divided political climate. Whether the U.S. will heed the growing call to do more for Ukraine remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the conflict has sparked a renewed debate over America’s role on the global stage.