Poll shows plurality of Americans think US spends too much on Ukraine
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The number of Americans who say the US is spending too much on Ukraine has decreased from 52% in October.
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A Ukrainian soldier holds a US-made FGM-148 Javelin anti-tank missile in his position in Avdiivka, Donetsk region, Friday, Aug. 18, 2023 (AP Photo/Libkos)
According to a new Associated Press and NORC Center for Public Research Affairs survey released on Wednesday, a plurality of Americans say the US government spends too much money on Ukraine.
According to the survey, over half of respondents (45%) feel the US spends too much on aid to Ukraine, while 14% feel the US spends too little on Ukraine.
An additional 38% believe It spends just the right amount.
The number of Americans who say the US is spending too much on Ukraine has decreased from 52% in October, coinciding with a seven-point increase in the percentage of those who believe the US is spending just the appropriate amount, according to the survey.
This could be due to recent aid that has been focused on "Israel" and backing its bombardment of Gaza.
The United States provides substantial financial aid to "Israel", amounting to $3.8 billion annually, with the Biden administration seeking an additional $14.3 billion.
In regards to aid given to "Israel," 43% of respondents feel the US is spending too much on aid to "Israel."
In contrast, only 15% believe the money given to the Israeli occupation is too little while 38% believe the level of aid is about right.
In regards to aid sent to Gaza, Americans are split on whether the US is paying too much or too little on humanitarian relief for Gaza, with 29% believing Washington is overspending and 29% believing it is underspending.
In early November, the White House began sending smaller military aid packages to Ukraine in order to stretch out support, given a stalemate in Congress over Ukraine financing
White House press secretary, Karine Jean-Pierre, told reporters that the US intends to support Ukraine for as long as feasible while Congress debates further funding.
The cut in funds comes amid the passing of a new $14.3bn aid bill to "Israel", despite warnings against the bill. The Republican measure was approved by 226-196, including 12 Democrats and two rejected Republican votes.
Borrell: EU gave 'highest figure ever' of $28.9bn total to Ukraine
EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell announced that the bloc has authorized at least €27 billion ($28.9 billion) in military assistance to Ukraine since last year - calling it the "highest figure ever reached."
Before the EU meeting in Brussels on Monday, Borrell spoke of the agenda and said that amid the regional tension in the Middle East and the war on Gaza, member states should not "forget about Ukraine."
"Our support is increasing. I can tell you that it has reached the level of €27 billion of military support," he said, adding: "It is the highest figure ever reached. We continue training Ukrainian soldiers. We continue being behind Ukraine."
The EU has been endeavoring to uphold its commitment by requesting national armies to contribute ammunition from their reserves, Borrell mentioned, noting that the EU secured "something more than 300,000 shots" through these efforts.
