Topline
A majority of Americans believe that President Joe Biden’s response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has not been “tough enough,” according to a poll, even as the White House has attempted to tighten the screws on Russian President Vladimir Putin by unleashing a wave of sanctions and offering direct military aid to Ukraine.
U.S. President Biden delivers remarks in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, United States.
Key Facts
According to the poll carried out by the Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research, 54% of Americans believe that Biden’s actions against Russia are “not tough enough,” while 36% think they have been adequate and only 8% saying they have been too tough.
Despite this, only 32% of Americans say that the U.S. should play a major role in the conflict, down from 40% last month, indicating that any support for American military intervention has dropped as the conflict is set to enter its third month.
While a majority of Americans support sanctions and military aid to Ukraine, only 22% are in favor of deploying U.S. troops in Ukraine to fight against Russian forces, while 55% oppose.
A majority of Americans—57%—believe that Putin has ordered his troops to commit war crimes in Ukraine, with only 6% saying he has not.
A slim majority—51%—believes that effective sanctions against Russia are more important than limiting damage to the U.S. economy, down from 55% last month.
Crucial Quote
On Wednesday, Biden blamed Putin’s actions as one of the contributors to high inflation and gas prices in the U.S., tweeting: “I grew up in a family where if the price of gas went up, we felt it. Let’s be absolutely clear about why prices are high right now: COVID and Vladimir Putin.” In a speech delivered on Tuesday, Biden said: “Putin’s invasion of Ukraine has driven up gas prices and food prices all over the world. Nations coming together to help deny Putin the ability to weaponize his energy resources against American families and families in Europe and around the world.”
Key Background
Last week the Biden administration announced an $800 million military aid package for Ukraine as it readied its forces to face a renewed Russian offensive in its eastern half. In total the U.S. has given Ukraine military assistance worth more than $3 billion. The U.S. government has also worked with its western allies to impose an unprecedented wave of economic sanctions targeting Putin, his inner circle, Russian oligarchs, Russian financial institutions and Russian industry. In addition to that the Biden administration has banned the import of Russian energy into the U.S. and banned the country’s airspace to Russian planes. Washington is now working with its allies to seize various offshore properties—like yachts, mansions etc.—which are either owned by or linked to Russian oligarchs.
Big Number
42.3%. That is Biden’s overall approval rating as of Thursday according to FiveThirtyEight which has aggregated multiple major polls.
Further Reading
AP-NORC poll: Many say Biden not tough enough on Russia (Associated Press)
Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/siladityaray/2022/04/21/majority-of-americans-believe-biden-has-not-been-tough-enough-against-russia-poll-finds/