Public views of Russian-American relations (chilly and tense) have been unchanged for more than a year; the forecast is likely stable and negative. However, almost every second Russian thinks that the bilateral relations should be intensified across a wide range of topics. 

MOSCOW, November 18, 2019. Russian Public Opinion Research Centre (VCIOM) presents the results of a survey devoted to Russia-U.S. relations and public attitudes towards American president Donald Trump.

An overwhelming majority of Russians (85%) view the current Russia-U.S. relations negatively as a year ago (86% in 2018). Russians tend to see the bilateral relations as “tense” (52%), “chilly” (20%) or “hostile” (13%). The Russia-US relations index makes up 75 percentage points.

Fifty-two percent of respondents consider that Russia should strengthen cooperation with the U.S.A. in security. More attention should also be paid to culture (47%) and political ties (45%). Least important area of cooperation is education (39%): one-third of Russians (30%) think that nothing should be changed, and 17% say that cooperation in this area should be cut. Compared with the previous year, the number of Russians who believe that the bilateral cooperation across all areas should be intensified has decreased.

More than half of Russians are indifferent toward president Donald Trump. Fifty-three percent of Russians express such views (an all-time high). Those who are indifferent are mainly young Russians aged 18-24 (71%); older generations (persons aged 45-59 and 60+) tend to have negative perceptions (37%, each group).

Almost every second Russian considers that no changes are expected in Russia-U.S. relations (47%); this share has increased by 10 percentage points over a year (37% in 2018). The share of those who expect positive changes is almost equal to the share of those who see the future more negatively (19% vs 20%); however the number of Russians with positive views was 8 percentage points higher in 2018.

*Russia-U.S. relations index shows how Russians assess the bilateral relations today. The index is based on the question: “In your opinion, what is the current state of Russia-U.S. relations?” The index is calculated as the difference between the sum of positive answers (“normal, calm”, “good, “good-neighborly”, “friendly”) and negative answers (“chilly”, “tense”, “hostile”). Index is measured in points and can vary between -100 and 100. The higher the index is, the better Russians assess the state of bilateral relations.

Nationwide VCIOM-Sputnik survey was conducted on October 8, 2019. The survey involved 1,600 Russians aged 18 and over. The survey was telephone-based and carried out using stratified dual-frame random sample based on a complete list of landline and mobile phone numbers operating in Russia. The data were weighted according to selection probability and social and demographic characteristics. The margin of error at a 95% confidence level does not exceed 2.5%. In addition to sampling error, minor changes in question wording and different circumstances arising during the fieldwork can introduce bias into the survey.

Note: Using materials from the site www.wciom.ru or wciom.com, as well as distributed by VCIOM, the reference to the source (or hyperlink for the electronic media) is obligatory.