Americans Say Ukraine Is A Friend - Here's How To Help

The charts above are from the most recent Economist / YouGov Poll -- done between February 26th and March 1st of a nationwide sample of 1,500 adults (including 1,205 registered voters). The margin of error for adults is 2.8 points, and 3 points for registered voters.

Since the Russians invaded Ukraine, public opinion has turned against them. Currently, about 10% of Americans (9% of registered voters consider Russia to be an ally or friendly to the U.S. -- while 81% of adults (85% of registered voters) consider them to be an enemy or unfriendly to the U.S.  The numbers are opposite when the same question is asked about Ukraine.

Robert Reich lists four things that Americans can do individually to help Ukraine. They are:

1. First, you can contribute to Ukrainian relief efforts. Here are organizations I trust: 

— Ukraine Crisis Fund. The international humanitarian group is providing food, water and other items to families fleeing violence in Ukraine. Contribute here.

— Doctors without Borders. Staffers with the medical relief organization remain in Ukraine and are "seeking ways to respond to the medical and humanitarian needs as the conflict evolves." Offer support here.

— ICRC. The Swiss-based organization is supporting the work of the Ukrainian Red Cross in helping those impacted by the war. Donate to the ICRC.

— Keep Ukraine’s Media Going is a GoFundMe campaign for journalists around Ukraine that also aims to help reporters relocate and continue their work from neighboring countries. Donations can be made here. 

2. Second, you can write your members of Congress expressing your view that the United States should sanction Russian oil and gas, and that you are willing to make the financial sacrifice of higher prices at gas pumps and for home heating oil that will almost certainly result.

3. Third, you can urge your members of Congress to open wide America’s borders to Ukrainians fleeing Putin’s war, and help them transport themselves and their families here.

4. Fourth and finally, whatever your political persuasion, you can put aside your anger and frustration with Americans who disagree with you on other issues and recognize our shared commitment to democracy and human rights and our mutual loathing for the murderous rampage we are witnessing in Ukraine. Bearing witness to this calamity and unambiguously condemning it should, at the very least, be something we can all agree on.