Most Americans believe defeating Putin and Russia in Ukraine is more likely to lead to lasting peace in Eastern Europe than a diplomatic settlement. However, most Americans also believe the goal of the United States should be to end the war as soon as possible rather than supporting Ukraine until Russia is defeated.
WHY IT MATTERS
These findings build on our previous research showing that emphasizing the need to defeat Putin is an effective way to advocate for sending continued military aid to Ukraine.
HOW TO USE THIS DATA
Advocates for the security bill in Congress should emphasize the importance of defeating Putin in Ukraine to achieving a lasting peace.
Click on the image below to read the full report…or read the summary below.
Paying Attention
- 64% of Americans are paying close attention to news of the war in Ukraine. This includes 22% who are following the news “very closely.”
- There are gender and age divides. 75% of men are paying close attention compared to 54% of women. 76% of Baby Boomer voters are paying close attention compared to 45% of Gen Z.
- There is no significant difference between Democrats, Republicans, and independents in how closely they are following news of the war.
A Lasting Peace Requires Defeating Putin
- 54% of Americans believe the defeat of Putin and Russia in Ukraine is more likely to lead to lasting peace in Eastern Europe than a diplomatic settlement in which Ukraine gives up territory.
- There is a significant divide by party. By 61%-24%, Democrats say defeating Putin is more likely than diplomacy to lead to lasting peace, while the margin is 46%-36% among Republicans and 53%-27% among independents.
- There is also a large age divide. Gen Z and Millennial voters are divided while Gen X and Baby Boomer voters overwhelmingly say defeating Putin is more likely than diplomacy to lead to lasting peace in Eastern Europe.
- Black voters are the only demographic group with a plurality that believes a diplomatic agreement is more likely to lead to peace.
Support Ukraine or End the War?
- 56% of Americans say the goal of the United States should be to end the war in Ukraine as soon as possible, compared to 33% who say it should be to support Ukraine until Putin and Russia is defeated.
- This includes 65% of Republicans, 48% of Democrats and 56% of independents.
- The largest divide is by age, with Gen Z favoring ending the war as soon as possible by 63%-23%, and Baby Boomers split 46%-46%.
- 53% of Left Minority voters say the goal of the U.S. should be to support Ukraine until Russia is defeated compared to just 26% of New Majority voters.
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