Recent weeks have seen a Republican Party scandal in the US over continued support for Ukraine. Senator Vance publicly confronted McConnell, who reaffirmed strong backing of Ukraine aid initiatives.
Early in the year, the Trump administration appeared to have significant leverage over Kyiv, with ambitious plans to pressure Ukraine for territorial concessions. However, as spring ended, this leverage diminished. Despite Trump’s demands, recent polls show only 16% of Americans support Ukraine giving up territory for peace.
A large majority of Ukrainians (76%) remain firmly against limiting their army or making territorial concessions, regardless of ongoing political scandals. European allies continue to see the importance of supporting Ukraine, and trade and economic negotiations with the US remain tense but unresolved.
There are also divisions within the Republican Party: even among MAGA conservatives, 44% support Ukraine, while only 16% favor Russia’s terms. Many in the MAGA base advocate for more sanctions on Russia and increased economic and military assistance to Ukraine.
The Vance-McConnell dispute highlights disagreements on strategy, but polls consistently show that public pressure on Kyiv is not effective, and American voters prefer tougher action against Moscow. The GOP has become less divided and is increasingly rallying behind support for Ukraine.
In summary, Trump’s ability to pressure Ukraine is increasingly limited. Support for Ukraine is now both a foreign policy and a core US interest—standing out as election season approaches.
