A recent Gallup poll reveals that roughly two-thirds of Americans doubt an agreement can be reached to end the conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
The survey, published on Thursday, indicates that 67% of U.S. adults are pessimistic about prospects for peace in Eastern Europe, while only 31% express optimism about a resolution. Interestingly, among various political affiliations, 78% of Democrats and 69% of independents share a pessimistic viewpoint. Even among Republicans, 57% feel similarly regarding the ongoing war, which has persisted for nearly three and a half years.
When it comes to perceptions of victory, about 66% of Americans believe that neither side has triumphed. Only 23% feel Russia has an advantage, whereas around 10% think Ukraine is ahead.
This poll was conducted just before President Trump met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska earlier this month, followed by a meeting shortly after with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and several European leaders at the White House.
Before these discussions, 26% of Americans expressed significant concern, and 52% stated they were somewhat worried that the U.S. and European allies might fail to negotiate peace. Moreover, 73% of respondents are at least somewhat worried that any peace agreement might end up favoring Moscow too much. A striking 87% expressed concern over the potential for the Kremlin to breach the contract’s terms. In contrast, only about 21% were apprehensive that the deal could be too advantageous for Ukraine.
Opinions on how the U.S. should respond are divided. Approximately 52% believe the U.S. should focus on supporting Ukraine to reclaim lost territory, even if that prolongs the conflict. Meanwhile, 45% advocate for the U.S. to pursue a swift end to the war, even if it means Ukraine must concede some territory.
Trump has encouraged a meeting between Putin and Zelensky, but Russia has thus far rejected this suggestion amid ongoing attacks on Ukrainian cities. Recently, Russian forces targeted parts of Kiev, resulting in at least 20 fatalities and damage to both the EU mission building and the British council office.
Nearly half, or 46%, of Americans think the U.S. has not provided enough support to Ukraine, while 27% believe the assistance level is just right, and some consider the U.S. to be over-involved.
The poll surveyed 2,132 adults between August 1 and August 15, with a margin of error of 3 percentage points.
