As economic concerns dominate American voters’ priorities, Trump’s austere approach to the Ukraine conflict might resonate more than Biden’s ongoing support.
Not only has the war in Ukraine resulted in significant military and civilian casualties for both Ukraine and Russia, but it has also cost the U.S. billions of dollars in foreign aid. As the violence persists, President Biden’s strategy shows little sign of yielding a resolution. Former President Donald Trump claims he could end the war quickly. While his exact plan remains unclear, his confidence could be enough to turn the tide in his favor, especially in the wake of the heartbreaking attack on a Ukrainian children’s hospital last week. Trump’s determination to staunch the flow of funds to futile foreign wars may be the winning strategy.
The first step toward peace is to want it, a crucial point that often gets lost in geopolitical maneuvering. President Biden has focused on providing unwavering support to Ukraine through military aid and economic sanctions against Russia. While this approach aimed to strengthen Ukraine’s position, it did little to encourage immediate peace talks.
The recent NATO summit highlighted this commitment, with members pledging about $43 billion within the next year on military equipment for Ukraine. The U.S. alone has given Ukraine about $53.7 billion in military assistance since February 2022. However, this strategy seems to perpetuate the conflict rather than resolve it, and more Americans are starting to question the rationale behind sending vast sums of money overseas while domestic issues remain unresolved.
A poll by the Harris Poll and Quincy Institute found that nearly 70% of Americans want the Biden administration to push Ukraine toward a negotiated peace with Russia. This support remained high even when respondents were informed that negotiations might involve Ukraine making concessions to Russia.
Polling data also indicates a significant shift in American public opinion regarding the war in Ukraine. According to a Gallup poll from November 2023, a substantial portion of Americans, particularly Republicans (62%) and independents (44%), believe the U.S. is doing too much to support Ukraine. Moreover, 43% of Americans favor the U.S. trying to help end the war quickly, even if it means Ukraine cedes territory to Russia, up from 31% in 2022. This reflects a growing fatigue with the prolonged conflict.
Although both Ukraine and Russia have stated they won’t make concessions, Trump might be uniquely positioned to pressure both sides into a compromise.
Trump’s approach to foreign policy has always been unconventional, often prioritizing direct negotiations and personal relationships over traditional diplomatic protocols. During his presidency, Trump pushed for NATO members to pay their fair share, leading to increased defense spending from countries like Germany and Poland. His success with the Abraham Accords, which normalized relations between Israel and several Arab nations, showcased his capability in brokering complex peace deals that many thought impossible. Moreover, his historic meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un demonstrated his boldness in diplomacy, achieving a first-ever summit between a sitting U.S. president and a North Korean leader.
Critics initially doubted Trump’s foreign policy capabilities, expressing concerns over his lack of political experience and unconventional methods. They feared his unorthodox approach might lead to instability and undermine traditional alliances. However, Trump’s tenure saw no new wars and a focus on recalibrating international alliances.
Polls have shown that economic concerns rank higher on the list of voter priorities than the conflict in Ukraine. The extensive spending on Ukraine has raised concerns about its impact on domestic issues, with some arguing that it contributes to inflation and diverts resources from critical domestic needs. The American public’s growing fatigue with the war and the perception that financial aid to Ukraine is exacerbating domestic economic problems could shift voter sentiment. Voters tired of prolonged conflicts and seeking a leader who promises a swift resolution might be swayed by Trump’s confident assertions of ending the war.
This November, the American people will decide whether the U.S. will be instrumental in establishing a peace treaty between Russia and Ukraine, or remain a sideline supporter for years to come. Any peace deal will undoubtedly have its detractors, but Americans are tired of paying to prolong a stalemate. Whoever takes office in 2025 would be wise to adopt a more decisive approach. Ultimately, serving the interests of the American people should guide any presidential decision regarding foreign conflicts.
Iulia Lupse is the founder of I&A Communications Solutions and a contributor with Young Voices. Born in Romania, she is now based in New York. Follow her on X at @IuliaL27
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