Russian invasion: 55 per cent of Canadians say Ukraine should fight on; half as many say it’s time to negotiate

Support for Canada providing military aid declines from earlier in war – especially among past CPC voters

One year into Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, new data from the non-profit Angus Reid Institute finds Canadians more inclined to see its ally pursue the path of persistence.

Indeed, half of Canadians say Ukraine should continue fighting, though they’re divided about whether the goal should be a reclamation of its eastern provinces (23 per cent) or all of its previous territory including Crimea (32 per cent). One-quarter (23 per cent) would prefer negotiations. Initial peace talks took place in April of last year but have not reignited since. Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said recently that the path to ending the war is Russian retreat.

Canada’s role in supporting Ukraine continues to be a source of enthusiasm for most, though a year of conflict is leading to attrition.

Half of Canadians (52 per cent still support Canada providing Ukraine with defensive weapons and gear and intelligence and cybersecurity (50 per cent), but this support has declined significantly since March 2022 – by nine and 11 points, respectively. Two-in-five (37 per cent) are on board with sending more lethal aid to support Ukraine, however, that too has declined by 11 points since the early days of the war.

Asked how long Canada should continue to offer military and financial supports, 39 per cent say for as long as it takes, and one-in-ten say they would end assistance after another year (10 per cent). The other half of Canadians are either unsure (26 per cent) or say Ukraine should pursue negotiations to end the war now (23 per cent).

More Key Findings:

- Ahead of a March 31 expiration of the special immigration program for Ukrainians – which allows an unlimited number of those seeking refuge to live and work in Canada for three years – three-quarters of Canadians (75 per cent) would extend this program.

One-in-five Canadians (18%) say they have donated to Ukrainian assistance programs in recent months. This is down from 27 per cent who said the same in May 2022.

- Two-thirds (67 per cent) express concern that Russia could use nuclear weapons if it continues to struggle to achieve victory in Ukraine.

The full poll can be viewed online at https://angusreid.org/russia-ukraine-canada-peace-military-lethal-humanitarian-aid-support/