A growing number of Americans favor a swift end to the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine, even if it means Ukraine giving up some of its territory, according to surveys.
A Gallup poll shows that 68% of U.S. adults say neither Russia nor Ukraine is currently winning the war, while 37% of Americans say the U.S. is doing too much to help Ukraine.
Gallup conducted the poll from Dec. 4-15.
This sentiment shows a shift in public opinion as the conflict reaches its third year, and the impact of the human and economic costs raises more concerns.
Since the war began, Congress has appropriated $174.2 billion through the five Ukraine supplemental appropriation acts enacted FY 2022 through FY 2024, according to the Oversight of the U.S. Ukraine Response.
The Gallup poll found that 48% of U.S. respondents support the U.S. in helping Ukraine reclaim lost territory, slipping below a majority level for the first time since Gallup has measured Americans’ preferences for involvement in the Russia-Ukraine war since 2022.
Despite the growing desire for a quick resolution, a majority of Americans continue to support Ukraine.
Republicans take the lead among those who support ending the war as quickly as possible, with the poll showing 74% of Republicans compared to the 30% of Democrats who want a speedy conclusion.
President Joe Biden’s administration has maintained a supportive stance for Ukraine, with Biden stating in 2022, “for as long as it takes,” emphasizing the importance of upholding international law and condemning aggression.
Now, nearly three years after the start of the war, the new administration will face more than one conversation about a ceasefire. However, President-elect Donald Trump posted on social media previously that ” Zelensky and Ukraine would like to make a deal and stop the madness,” urging an immediate ceasefire and negotiations to begin.
The Ukrainian army is gradually losing ground as Russian troops continue to advance, according to Russian President Vladimir Putin, while speaking at the annual end-of-year conference.
Putin said he was “ready” to meet with Trump for peace talks on Ukraine.
