Donald Trump Receives Unfavorable Poll Results on Ukraine War Negotiations

A majority of Americans express disapproval regarding President Donald Trump’s management of the war in Ukraine, as indicated by several polls.

Significance of the Situation

Since the beginning of his second term in January, Trump has significantly altered the course of American foreign policy. This was exemplified by his public disagreement with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky during a televised press conference, which ultimately led to Trump halting military assistance to Ukraine.

The perceived change in America’s foreign policy, particularly from a president who has previously voiced admiration for Russian President Vladimir Putin, has surprised U.S. allies. This shift is causing European nations to strengthen their military preparedness, fearing they can no longer depend exclusively on the U.S. for defense support.

Moreover, this situation raises concerns about America’s place on the global stage, as various polls indicate that many Americans believe Trump’s foreign policy is detrimental to the United States. This suggests that his approach to Ukraine may have lasting effects on the nation’s influence and standing in international relations.

Key Points to Consider

According to the most recent Reuters/Ipsos poll conducted from March 11 to 12, 2025, only 36 percent of Americans support Trump’s position on the Russia-Ukraine conflict, while 47 percent disapprove.

Additionally, a notable 56 percent of Americans, inclusive of 27 percent of Republicans and 89 percent of Democrats, perceive Trump as being “too closely aligned” with Russia. However, 40 percent of respondents disagreed with this assessment, and 4 percent chose not to respond.

Interestingly, the poll also showed that nearly half (44 percent) of respondents are in favor of Trump’s proposal to “link U.S. military support for Ukraine to securing a share of Ukraine’s mineral wealth,” with two-thirds of Republicans supporting this idea, whereas only one in five Democrats agreed. The poll’s margin of error is +/- 3.1 percentage points.

In a separate UJ poll conducted between March 6-9 among 1,206 U.S. adults, it was found that 55 percent disapprove of Trump’s strategy concerning the war in Ukraine, while 44 percent approve.

Approximately 59 percent of Americans believe that Trump’s method of handling the Russia-Ukraine conflict is unlikely to achieve long-term peace. Moreover, 59 percent disapprove of Trump’s management of U.S.-Russia relations. Half of Americans also contend that Trump’s foreign policy with respect to the war is harmful to the U.S., as opposed to just 29 percent who view it as beneficial.

Among Republicans, there’s a growing unease regarding Trump’s foreign policy, with 15 percent expressing concerns that his actions have damaged America’s international reputation. Additionally, 18 percent of Republicans regard his handling of the Ukraine situation as detrimental to the U.S., and 28 percent doubt his capability to facilitate lasting peace between Russia and Ukraine.

Overall, Americans are split on the U.S.’s involvement in the conflict, with 38 percent believing the U.S. is contributing too little to Ukraine, while 32 percent feel it is doing too much, and 30 percent consider the level of support to be just right. The poll’s margin of error stands at +/-3.3 percent.

Another poll from Quinnipiac University, conducted from March 6-10, 2025, indicated that merely 38 percent of Americans approve of Trump’s management of the war, with 55 percent disapproving. Additionally, 58 percent of voters disapprove of Trump’s recent interaction with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, with just 35 percent offering approval. The results reveal a significant partisan divide, with Democrats and independents largely disapproving of Trump’s actions, while Republican voters show more support.

The Quinnipiac poll also uncovered that 56 percent of voters disapprove of the decision to interrupt all military aid to Ukraine, although 70 percent of Republicans approve of such a measure. Regarding Trump’s stance on Ukraine, 50 percent of voters feel he is too harsh, while 35 percent believe his approach is suitable. The margin of error for this poll is +/- 2.8 percentage points.

These surveys follow a tense exchange with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in the Oval Office on February 28, which culminated in Trump halting military assistance to Ukraine.

Since then, his administration has proposed a ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia, which Ukraine has accepted, though it has received only a tepid response from Russia.

Public Reactions

Donald Trump stated on Wednesday that “it’s up to Russia now” as his administration pressures Moscow to agree to the ceasefire, adding that if they do, “I think that would be 80 percent of the way to ending this horrible bloodbath.”

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky took to X to write: “We must move toward peace, toward security guarantees, and we need to free our people. We are determined to work as quickly as possible with our partners. The key factor is our partners’ ability to ensure Russia’s readiness not to deceive but to genuinely end the war. Because right now, Russian strikes have not stopped.”

Russian President Vladimir Putin remarked on Thursday: “We agree with the proposals to halt the fighting, but we proceed from the assumption that the ceasefire should lead to lasting peace and eliminate the root causes of the crisis.”

Future Implications

Uncertainties linger regarding how Trump’s diplomatic tactics will shape U.S. support for Ukraine and its allies. With ongoing geopolitical shifts, the repercussions of the recent confrontation may resonate far beyond the White House.