European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen together with President of the European Council António Costa, travelled to Ukraine this week to mark the tragic four-year anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. This is President von der Leyen's tenth wartime visit to the Ukrainian capital. The presence of European leaders reaffirmed Europe's unwavering support for Ukraine, both financially and militarily, amid a particularly harsh winter. President von der Leyen and President Costa participated in the official memorial ceremony commemorating the four years of the war and took part in a press conference with President Zelenskyy - read the European Commission’s press release.
The war, now in its fifth year, has killed tens of thousands, wounded and maimed many more, and crippled a nation. The world had hoped that Trump’s promise to end the war “that would not have started had he been the President” on the first day of his second term would bear fruit or at least ease hostilities. With a peace deal nowhere in sight and multiple failed attempts to bring about a ceasefire, the war threatens to rage on.
A recent nationwide TIPP Poll surveyed nearly 1,400 Americans about their views on the conflict and the role the U.S. should play to bring about peace. The numbers reveal a clear picture. Americans want an end to the war and believe that Washington can play a constructive role in bringing it to an end.
More than half, 56%, of those who took part in the poll want the US to remain actively involved in efforts to negotiate an end to the war. Just over a quarter, 26%, feel it is time for Washington to disengage from finding a settlement. Close to a fifth, 18%, are unsure.
American support for Ukraine and involvement in the conflict has been a partisan issue since the beginning. Political leanings dictate the position most Americans take on the ongoing war. For instance, when it comes to the U.S. playing an active role in negotiating a peace deal, 65% of Republicans support it, while only 54% of Democrats and 50% of independents do. Meanwhile, 29% of Democrats, 22% of Republicans, and 28% of independents opine that it's time for Washington to disengage from the settlement negotiation process.
Support for active involvement is highest amongst seniors at 68% and falls to 48% in the 18-24 age bracket. Well over a third of the youngsters, 37%, would prefer that the US disengages from the ongoing negotiations.
However the negotiations may be progressing across world capitals, the general perception among Americans is that Russia is playing hardball and stalling the process. More than half think Moscow is the reason a negotiated settlement has not been reached yet, while less than a fifth, 16%, feel Ukraine is responsible for continuing the war. Meanwhile, a significant portion, 30%, are unsure of which party is making unreasonable demands and pushing away a peace deal.
When it comes to Russia’s role in impeding a negotiated settlement, Americans across party lines concur. 56% of Democrats and Republicans share the view, while independents are close behind at 53%.
Interestingly, the dynamic of the negotiations is perceived very differently by various age groups. Among youngsters, 39% feel Russia is playing hardball, 29% think Ukraine is, and 32% are unsure. Among those in the 25-44 age category, 45% point to Russia, 21% to Ukraine, and 34% are unsure. The shift is more evident among those who have lived through the Cold War. In the 45-64 age group, 55% hold Russia responsible for bungling peace efforts, only 13% blame Ukraine, and 32% are undecided. Among seniors, the sentiment is concrete – 73% feel Russia is playing hardball, just 8% think Ukraine is doing so, and less than a fifth, 19%, are unsure.
Four years in, the Russia-Ukraine War has not only depleted coffers, it has also torn asunder the peace that had prevailed on much of the continent since the end of the World Wars. Displaced populations and crumbling national economies are in dire need of a speedy resolution that will bring lasting peace.
The TIPP Poll found that Americans are divided on how the US should go about nudging the warring parties towards a settlement. While a third favors increasing pressure primarily on Russia, another quarter wants Washington to apply diplomatic pressure on both sides. Almost an equal share, 23%, wants the US to act as a neutral broker, and almost a fifth, 19%, are undecided on which course is best.
Even as President Zelensky vows to do everything to achieve peace and Russian President Putin indicates that he is willing to negotiate a settlement, bombs keep falling on towns, and weary soldiers are fighting in the bitter cold.
Israel And U.S. Launch Strikes On Iran
The United States and Israel carry out a joint attack on Iran, as Tehran responds with retaliatory strikes on neighboring countries.
President Donald Trump described the situation as ongoing “major combat operations” and called on Iranian government forces to lay down their arms.
Shortly after 09:30 local time in Tehran (06:00 GMT), Iranian media reported multiple explosions in the capital. Explosions were also reportedly heard in several other cities across the country, including Isfahan, Qom, Karaj, and Kermanshah. The extent of casualties or injuries remains unclear.
In response, Iran launched retaliatory strikes against Israel. Blasts were also reportedly heard in multiple neighbouring countries, including the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Iraq, and Jordan, raising concerns that the confrontation could widen into a broader regional conflict.
Related:
The Tehran Endgame—Daniel Pomerantz, TIPP Insights
The Day The Regime Lost The Streets—Daniel Pomerantz, TIPP Insights
Why ARE The US And Israel Obsessed With Eliminating Iran’s Ballistic Missiles?—Larry C. Johnson, Ron Paul Institute for Peace and Prosperity
Trump’s Iran Gamble—Ian Bremmer, Project Syndicate
Iran’s Supreme Leader Is Trapped—Pegah Banihashemi, Project Syndicate
In Iran, Digital Empowerment Now Resembles A Digital Siege—Mark Pfeifle, TIPP Insights
Why This Time Is Different for Iran—Vali Nasr, Project Syndicate
The Economic Roots Of Iran’s Protests—Djavad Salehi-Isfahani, Project Syndicate
A New Iranian Revolution?—Shlomo Ben-Ami, Project Syndicate
The TIPP Stack
Handpicked articles from TIPP Insights & beyond
1. What Susan Rice Really Meant By Her Retribution Threat—Victor Davis Hanson, The Daily Signal
2. The Great Recalculation—Editorial Board, TIPP Insights
3. America Roars Back—Lawrence Kudlow, TIPP Insights
4. Epstein Files: An Opportunity For Libertarians—Ron Paul, Ron Paul Institute for Peace and Prosperity
5. Mamdani’s NYC Flirts With Chaos—Ben Shapiro, The Daily Signal
6.Marco Rubio In Munich: ‘We Want An Alliance That Boldly Races To The Future’— Secretary Marco Rubio, The Daily Signal
7. House Panel Has Questions For Clintons About Epstein—Fred Lucas, The Daily Signal
8. As Lawsuits Multiply, Transgender Reversal Movement Gains Momentum—Dan Hart, The Daily Signal
9. Padilla Calls SAVE America Act An ‘Intimidation’ Tactic During All-Spanish SOTU Reaction Speech—Pedro Rodriguez, The Daily Signal
10. Biden-Appointed Judge’s Blistering Rebuke Could Change Trump’s Deportation Strategy—Fred Lucas, The Daily Signal
11. Soros-Backed Prosecutor Allows Murder Suspects To Avoid Prison Time—Tyler O'Neil, The Daily Signal
12. SCOTUS Removes IEEPA Tariffs From Toolbox, Now Is Time For The BAT—Miles Pollard, The Daily Signal
13. Rothbard And Eminent Domain: Confused History And Legal Sleight Of Hand—Joseph Solis-Mullen, Mises Wire
14. Antebellum Federal Protections Of Slavery—Joshua Mawhorter, Mises Wire
15. Nock’s War On the State—George Ford Smith, Mises Wire
From TIPP Insights News Editor
1. Pakistan Bombs Kabul As Conflict With Afghanistan Escalates
2. US Embassy Allows Staff To Leave Israel Amid Iran Strike Fears
3. UK PM Starmer Faces Fresh Blow After By-Election Loss
4. Pentagon Laser Downs Border Patrol Drone In Texas Incident
5. AI Chip Shortage Pushes Smartphone Prices To Record Highs
6. Paramount Wins Warner Bros. Discovery After Netflix Walks Away
7. US Importers Weigh China Orders After Tariff Blow
8. Bill Clinton Appears Before Congress In Landmark Epstein Case
9. Software Stocks Poised For Bounce, Fund Says
10. Moon Landing Delayed As NASA Reworks Artemis Mission
11. Bill Clinton Says He Saw No Abuse In Epstein Relationship
12. Job Losses Attributed To The Adoption Of AI Are Growing Globally
13. Mortgage Rates Dip Below 6% — Is the Housing Freeze Thawing?
14. U.S. Warns On Iran’s Ballistic Missiles Amid Talks
15. France To Issue Revised Nuclear Doctrine
16. ETF Market Now Larger Than U.S. Stock Listings
17. U.S. Drug Innovation Lead Narrows As China Gains
18. Iran’s Minimum Wages Erode In Dollar Terms
19. Nvidia Revenue Surges In The AI Era
20. SaaS Valuations Collapse As AI Rises
editor-tippinsights@technometrica.com
