Growing skepticism is shaping American views on international aid, especially regarding Ukraine. According to a poll released Thursday, Aug. 8, by Defense Priorities and YouGov, most Americans are hesitant to provide unconditional aid to Ukraine amid doubts about its ability to succeed against Russia.
This unease reflects broader concerns that U.S. foreign policy may not align with public sentiment on key international issues, including the conflicts in Ukraine and Israel, and tensions between China and Taiwan.
In the Ukraine-Russia conflict:
- 80% of respondents feel U.S. aid to Ukraine should be conditional or reduced.
- 52% doubt Ukraine’s capability to win the war against Russia.
- 42% expect the conflict to end through negotiations or a cease-fire, while only 13% think Russian forces might collapse.
- 54% oppose deploying NATO troops to Ukraine for training due to potential risks.
On China-Taiwan relations:
- 30% of respondents support U.S. military intervention to defend Taiwan against a Chinese invasion.
- 44% prioritize avoiding war with China over Taiwan’s political autonomy, favoring regional peace and stability.
Regarding Israel-Hamas and regional stability:
- 47% of Americans prefer the U.S. use its influence to prevent Israel from expanding the conflict to Lebanon by engaging with Hezbollah.
- 81% oppose committing U.S. troops to defend Saudi Arabia, indicating strong resistance to U.S. involvement in Middle Eastern conflicts that do not directly impact national security.
The survey of 1,000 adults underscores a preference for diplomacy over military action in U.S. international affairs, advocating a cautious approach to global involvement.