We all know it. But if Donald Trump needed any further guidance that he’s backing the wrong horse, this latest YouGov poll would be the best place to start. A survey of more than 1,500 people reveals just how little support there is for Russia, amid their ongoing military aggression against Ukraine.
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Voters not buying ‘soft stance’ on Russia, Putin
In recent weeks, President Trump has very much let the mask slip, openly speaking highly of Vladimir Putin, while denigrating Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Earlier this month, US leader announced a deal to buy millions of tons of diesel from his Russian counterpart, undermining sanctions across the world.
Since then, Trump has done his utmost to hamper the Ukrainian war effort, urging Zelenskyy to ‘ease off’ attacks on Russia, while failing to set the same parameters for Mr. Putin. Elon Musk has also been accused of switching off Starlink in the country, inhibiting Ukraine in its offensive capabilities.
Only a tiny percentage of Americans back Russia over Ukraine
Furthermore, POTUS and Musk have both called for a change of leadership in Ukraine – without asking the same of Russia. The whole thing, quite frankly, stinks – and the American electorate appear to be all-to-aware of a situation that their president is oblivious too.
Following a round of YouGov polling this week, respondents were asked about their perceptions of Russia. Just 3% of the sample size said they saw Russia as ‘an ally’, with the same percentage stating that they ‘sympathise with Russia over Ukraine’. The support for Ukraine, meanwhile, was 22 times higher, at 66%.
The damning figures don’t end there. Around 48% of Americans consider Russia to be ‘an enemy’ – eight times higher than those who said the same for Ukraine. Meanwhile, fewer than four in 10 voters believe Donald Trump’s claims that strikes on Russian refineries are the cause of high fuel prices.
Fewer than 10% of Americans agree with Trump’s defence of Putin
Perhaps the most ‘egg-on-face’ result of the bunch shows just how few Americans are swallowing Trump’s latest line on a potential ceasefire. The President has stated that Vladimir Putin is more eager to ‘make a deal’ and end the war. However, just 9% of those in the survey share this viewpoint.
Upwards of 45% of participants say Zelenskyy is the one who wants to bring about an end to the conflict more, with 33% choosing ‘unsure’, and a further 13% believing their willingness is equal. So, if Trump is banking on appeasing Putin to shore-up support ahead of the Midterms, it could be a disastrous call.