Poll: Major US role in Ukraine opposed

Soaring prices, rather than the conflict in Ukraine, are uppermost in the thoughts of many in the United States, where a poll finds scant support for US involvement in the conflict between the Eastern European nation and its neighbor Russia.

Just 26 percent of the respondents say the US should have a major role in the conflict, according to the survey from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research. Fifty-two percent approve of a minor role for Washington, and 20 percent want the country to steer clear of involvement.

The findings are a reminder for US President Joe Biden and fellow Democrats that while the crisis may consume Washington in the coming months, pocketbook issues are likely to be a larger priority for voters heading into the midterm elections in November.

A poll in December by AP-NORC showed that US citizens are particularly focused on economic issues, including rising inflation. The consumer price index surged 7.5 percent in January, the highest level since 1982.

The Biden administration has declassified intelligence findings to underscore what it says are dangers for Ukraine and the wider European region.

The survey also shows widespread public skepticism of the US intelligence community. Only 23 percent said they had a "great deal of confidence" in intelligence agencies. Fifty-two percent say they have some confidence, and 24 percent have hardly any faith in them.

In response to the survey, White House press secretary Jen Psaki on Wednesday noted that people may have different interpretations of a major US role and reiterated that Biden would not send the military to Ukraine, though troops have been deployed to nearby NATO member countries.

"We make national security decisions based on what's best for our country's national security, not on the latest polling," she said.

Jennifer Rau, a 51-year-old mother of three who lives on Chicago's South Side, said she listens to local public radio for her world news. But in recent days, when the news turns to Russia and Ukraine, she has started to tune out.

"I'm so frustrated. It's enough. We're bombarded," Rau said. "There are other stories in Chicago that need to be covered. I just feel like there's a war going on in the United States, every day, in Chicago," she said, referring to the city's high crime rate. "And it is really scary. And I feel like no one helps us."

Edward Eller, a 67-year-old retiree from Shady Valley, Tennessee, said the White House needs to focus on soaring oil prices.

The potential for less Russian oil on the global market, whether because of sanctions or if Russia responds by cutting certain exports, also could have an impact on the global economy.

"Russian energy and mineral resources are considerable and cutting them off from the global economy would drive up prices and contribute to economic slowdowns around the world," Daniel Larison, a columnist for news website Antiwar, wrote on Wednesday.

Agencies contributed to this story.