As the crow flies, there are 7,837 kilometers between Washington and Kyiv. Most Americans probably think that’s a significant distance. And the question right now is how willingly, or unwillingly, Americans want to contribute to Ukraine’s war against Russia far over there in Eastern Europe.
In the White House, President Biden and his staff are hoping for the brilliance of Ukrainian President Zelensky when he arrives. It is exactly the power of light that is needed when Congress is to be convinced to give more money to Ukraine. At the turn of the year, the stock market is empty.
In this context, it is probably good that Zelenskyi is an actor. He simply has to improvise light power. Because of course he often looks tired. The war has taken a toll on him. But the money is needed.
Republicans want to cut corners
Half of Americans do think that the US is helping with the right amount or too little.
But a total of 31 percent believe that the United States contributes too much aid to Ukraine, according to a Pew Research Center poll conducted around the turn of the month.
Developments in recent times have gone in the direction of more and more Americans believing that the United States gives too much. It is mainly Republicans who think so.
Since the war began in February 2022 through October 31 of this year, the United States has provided 71 billion euros in economic and military assistance. The US is the largest donor to Ukraine and with Zelensky’s visit to Washington, he hopes it will remain so. But the clouds of worry are piling up. Next year there may be a new president in the White House. Maybe his name is Donald Trump.