Americans Support Tougher Sanctions On Russia

A majority of Americans believe President Biden has not been “tough enough” on Russia over its invasion of Ukraine but are concerned about the US being drawn into an all-out war with Russia, according to a poll published on Monday by the Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research.

Why it matters: The results indicate that those polled believe the US should continue sending humanitarian and military aid to Ukraine while increasing sanctions on Russia, even at the risk of damaging the US economy.

By the numbers: 56% of the 1,082 American adults polled said Biden’s response to the invasion has not been tough enough, while 55% said they believed the US should sanction Russia “as effectively as possible,” even if it hurts the US economy. 68% approved of the sanctions that the US has imposed so far.

At the same time, 47% said they are either “extremely” or “very” concerned that the US will be drawn into a war with Russia, and 71% believed Russia’s invasion has increased the possibility of nuclear weapons being used anywhere in the world.

82% favored sending humanitarian aid to Ukraine, and 64% favored sending weapons to the country. Meanwhile, 67% said they thought the US should accept Ukrainian refugees into the country.

But 65% disproved Biden’s handling of the economy, which was described by 69% as either “very,” “somewhat” or “lean toward” poor.

63% described the financial situation of their household as either “very,” “somewhat” or “lean toward” good.