Key Takeaways:

• A new ActiVote and AllSides poll highlights divided U.S. opinions on the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
• Over 2,000 people responded to each question, offering a strong data set.
• Responses differed greatly based on age, political views, and how people get their news.
• Democrats mostly support Ukraine, while Republicans are more cautious or favor a neutral U.S. position.
• Most Americans agree the war should end through diplomacy—but disagree on what that means.

Ukraine and Russia: Public Opinion in the U.S. Shows Deep Divide

The Russia-Ukraine war has been a major global topic since it started in 2022. Over the years, Americans have seen images of war, heard speeches from leaders, and debated how the U.S. should respond. This fall, ActiVote and AllSides wanted to understand how Americans really feel about Ukraine and Russia. So, they teamed up and launched a detailed survey to get answers straight from everyday people.

They asked over 8 questions related to the conflict and got answers from more than 2,000 individuals per question. That kind of survey gives us a clear window into public opinion—and spoiler alert—it’s far from a united front.

What Do Americans Think About Ukraine?

Support for Ukraine isn’t as simple as it looks on the surface. Many Americans say they want to help Ukraine, but how and how much help is where views start to differ.

The majority of Democrats believe it’s important to support Ukraine, even if it means spending more U.S. tax dollars. They see Ukraine as a democratic country trying to protect its freedom against an aggressive invader. Many also feel that U.S. support shows our stance for global democracy and sends a message to other potential aggressors like China or North Korea.

Republicans, on the other hand, are split. Some support the cause. However, many believe U.S. money should be spent at home instead of overseas. For them, it’s not only about Ukraine—it’s about putting American needs first.

How Is Russia Viewed by Americans?

Russia’s image in the eyes of most Americans has taken a serious hit since the war began. But people don’t all agree on how dangerous Russia really is. Most Democrats see Russia and its leader, Vladimir Putin, as a serious threat to world peace. They often trust U.S. intelligence reports and support strict sanctions and military aid to Ukraine as a response.

Interestingly, a chunk of Republicans doesn’t fully agree. While few outright support Russia, some say the U.S. media exaggerates the threat. They want a more neutral approach or even peace talks that involve giving up parts of Ukraine to stop the war.

The Role of News Media in Forming Opinions

How people feel about Ukraine and Russia strongly depends on where they get their information. The ActiVote-AllSides poll revealed a big divide between those who watch more left-leaning or centrist news and those tuned into right-leaning outlets.

For example, those who listen to NPR, CNN, or read newspapers are generally more supportive of Ukraine and believe in continued aid. In contrast, many Fox News viewers or users of alternative platforms believe U.S. aid has gone on too long or that the media hasn’t shown the whole picture.

Trust—or lack of it—in media plays a big role too. If someone doubts the media, they’re more likely to question the official story and believe other versions that might be less sympathetic to Ukraine.

Are Americans Ready for More U.S. Involvement?

Another major question was about what role Americans believe their government should play moving forward. Should we send more aid? More weapons? Or should we stay out of it completely?

This is where the divide gets even sharper.

Younger people, ages 18-29, are more likely to say the U.S. should not get more involved. They lean toward peace and fear the U.S. could get dragged into another long war like those in Iraq or Afghanistan.

Older generations, however, especially those over 50, often emphasize the importance of standing by allies and stopping aggressors early. These Americans seem to carry views shaped by Cold War history and past military events.

A Hormonic Divide by Political Party Lines

The survey revealed clear divisions along party lines. About 60% of Democrats support increasing aid to Ukraine. In contrast, only 30% of Republicans think more aid is necessary.

Independents often sit in the middle. They want careful action and stricter limits on foreign aid. They also tend to be more critical of both major parties and stress a need for local investment in the U.S.

Diplomacy: A Common Ground?

While Americans disagree on involvement and spending, there is one area where many find agreement—diplomacy. Most people said they would rather see a negotiated peace deal than a long, drawn-out war.

However, the catch comes in how people define “peace.” Some believe peace means Russia pulling out entirely. Others think Ukraine may have to give up part of its land to end the fighting. This lack of unity on a solution shows how even common ground can be more like shaky terrain.

What Does This Mean for U.S. Policy?

Results like these matter because elected leaders watch polls to decide what actions are popular or not. If most of the public supports aid, leaders are more likely to approve it. If people push for non-involvement, officials might hesitate.

What this survey shows is that policymakers are in a tough spot. No matter what they do, they’re likely to upset some part of their voter base.

As the war continues into 2025 and beyond, leaders will likely face growing pressure to find a balanced approach—one that considers public opinion, global threats, and the nation’s economic limits.

Looking Ahead: Will Opinions Change?

Public opinion is never frozen. As the war evolves, so will how people feel. If the conflict gets worse or the U.S. faces new threats, people might shift their views.

Also, the upcoming 2026 elections may put Ukraine and Russia front and center once again. As leaders campaign, their foreign policy stances could shape—and be shaped by—what the public wants.

One thing’s for sure: when it comes to Ukraine and Russia, Americans are paying attention. But they’re not all seeing the same story.

FAQs

How do Democrats and Republicans differ on Ukraine?

Democrats mostly support Ukraine and want the U.S. to offer more help. Republicans are more split, with many urging less involvement and focusing on domestic issues.

Why are younger people less supportive of involvement?

Younger Americans often worry about long wars and prefer peace talks over military actions. They also tend to be less trusting of political and media sources.

What role does media play in shaping public opinion?

A big one. People who get news from left-leaning sources tend to support Ukraine, while those who follow right-leaning outlets are more skeptical of involvement.

What do most people agree on?

Most Americans want the war to end, preferably through diplomatic talks. However, they disagree on what a fair peace agreement actually looks like.