A new poll has revealed that Americans don’t want the US to go to war to defend the former Soviet Republic. The majority preferred that US leaders focus on domestic issues, which are many and require handling.

This comes amid mounting tensions in Eastern Europe and after repeated US claims that the Russian President Vladimir Putin intends to invade Ukraine, which Putin repeatedly denied, accusing, in his turn, the US and NATO of military buildup and provocations on the Ukrainian border.

War with Russia?

According to the survey conducted by YouGov, in conjunction with the Charles Koch Institute, the majority of the Americans, 48%, said they are either strongly or somewhat against “going to war with Russia to protect Ukraine’s territorial integrity” should Russia invade the country. Only 27% favored such a move, while 24% said they didn’t know. 

Domestic issues vs. foreign policy

Meanwhile, 73% agreed that the United States “should prioritize domestic issues over foreign policy issues,” whereas only 7% agreed that foreign policy should be prioritized. 

Size of US military 

When it came to the question of increasing US military presence around the world, the poll found little enthusiasm for increasing such presence, with 40% saying the United States should be less engaged, while 32% said it should remain about the same. 

With pressures building up, the West threatened Russia with "heavy sanctions", but President Vladimir Putin said earlier this month Moscow pursues a peaceful foreign policy; however, it has the right to defend its security.

Russia has constantly denied reports in the US media about a possible attack on Ukraine, accusing Washington of trying to escalate the situation and casting the blame on Moscow.