Majority Of Americans Think Protecting Economy—Not Sanctioning Russia—Should Be Country’s Top Priority, Poll Finds

According to an Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research poll, more than half of Americans think the country's top priority should be to staving off damage to the economy rather than punishing Russia for invading Ukraine.

A small majority of Americans believe the country's top priority should be limiting damage to the U.S. economy.

45% of the adults think the nation's top priority should be to punish Russia for its invasion of Ukraine, even if it hurts the U.S. economy.

In April, 45% supported limiting damage to the U.S. economy, and 51% supported the most effective sanctions.

In March, Americans were even more in favor of punishing Russia, with 45% of them believing it should be the nation's top priority.

A majority of Americans think the US should play a major role in the war in Ukraine, but only 32% think the country should sanction Russia.

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President Joe Biden's approval rating hit a new low this month, as the country fends off multiple issues including soaring inflation, war in Ukraine, and a baby formula shortage. Only 39% of Americans approve of Biden's performance, down from 45% last month and a year ago. A majority of Americans disapprove of Biden's handling of the economy.

$40 billion. The military and humanitarian aid package was signed by Biden on Saturday after it was overwhelmingly approved by the House and Senate. According to the poll, Americans are broadly in favor of sending funds to Ukraine, with 42% of them in favor, 32% opposed and 23% not supporting or opposing the idea.

Key Background

Inflation has pushed prices to their highest in 40 years across the country, driven by problems including supply chain issues, driver shortages and soaring energy costs. The war in Ukraine is one of the issues being driven by the Covid-19 pandemic, climate change and other issues. Europe is heavily dependent on Russian energy exports and the International Monetary Fund warned in April that global economic growth will be severely set back.

The economy is growing as priority in the Russia response.

Biden's approval rating hit a record low.