Trump has been disfavored by Russians over his three-year-term as he failed to reset bilateral relations.
MOSCOW, February 11, 2020. Russian Public Opinion Research Centre (VCIOM) presents the data of a study describing Russian attitudes towards the Russian and the American presidents and their bilateral policies.
More than one-third of Russians consider that Donald Trump exacerbates the U.S.-Russia tensions (37%); most of them are Russians aged 25-34 (42%) and 35-44 (45%). Almost the same number of respondents says that the American president tries to avoid conflicts not making an attempt for rapprochement (33%). Only every tenth (8%) believes D. Trump strives to restore bilateral relations.
As to the Putin’s policies, Russians are divided in their opinions: 43% think that the president tries to shun any conflicts not seeking rapprochement with the U.S. At the same time, 41% of Russians say that Putin would like to restore bilateral relations with the U.S. The distribution of age groups regarding these positions is as follows: the former is often supported by young Russians aged 18-24 (60%) and 25-34 (56%), as well as middle-aged respondents (50% among those aged 35-44); the latter stance is mainly shared by older generations: those aged 45-59 (49%) or 60 and older (61%).
The emotions Russians feel about Donald Trump are indifference (43%), distrust (25%), dislike (12%), skepsis (12%), and disappointment (10%).
Russian VCIOM-Sputnik survey was conducted October 8, 2020. Results are based on telephone interviews with 1,600 Russians aged 18 and older. A stratified dual-frame random sample based on a complete list of Russian landline and mobile phone numbers is used. 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.
In your opinion, what kind of policy toward Russia is Donald Trump conducting? (closed-ended question, one answer, % of total respondents) | ||||||
| Total respondents | Aged 18-24 | Aged 25-34 | Aged 35-44 | Aged 45-59 | 60 and older |
He strives to restore U.S.-Russia relations | 8 | 9 | 3 | 8 | 6 | 13 |
He tries to avoid conflicts but, at the same time, does not make efforts for rapprochement | 33 | 37 | 28 | 29 | 38 | 32 |
He exacerbates bilateral relations | 37 | 31 | 42 | 45 | 39 | 29 |
He does nothing | 12 | 12 | 15 | 10 | 10 | 14 |
Don’t know | 10 | 11 | 12 | 9 | 8 | 12 |
In your opinion, what kind of policy toward the United States is Vladimir Putin conducting? (closed-ended question, one answer, % of total respondents) | |||
| Total respondents | Men | Women |
He strives to restore U.S.-Russia relations | 41 | 40 | 42 |
He tries to avoid conflicts but, at the same time, does not make efforts for rapprochement | 43 | 40 | 46 |
He exacerbates bilateral relations | 3 | 5 | 2 |
He does nothing | 4 | 7 | 2 |
Don’t know | 9 | 9 | 8 |
In your opinion, what kind of policy toward the United States is Vladimir Putin conducting? (closed-ended question, one answer, % of total respondents) | ||||||
| Total respondents | Aged 18-24 | Aged 25-34 | Aged 35-44 | Aged 45-59 | 60 and older |
He strives to restore U.S.-Russia relations | 41 | 23 | 19 | 32 | 49 | 61 |
He tries to avoid conflicts but, at the same time, does not make efforts for rapprochement | 43 | 60 | 56 | 50 | 39 | 30 |
He exacerbates bilateral relations | 3 | 7 | 5 | 3 | 2 | 2 |
He does nothing | 4 | 1 | 10 | 5 | 4 | 1 |
Don’t know | 9 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 6 | 7 |
What emotions/feeling does Donald Trump evoke in you? (open-ended question, up to 2 answers, % of total respondents) | ||
| 2018 | 2019 |
Indifference | 33 | 43 |
Distrust | 33 | 25 |
Dislike | 19 | 12 |
Skepsis | 11 | 12 |
Disappointment | 15 | 10 |
Respect | 3 | 5 |
Hope | 3 | 4 |
Liking | 2 | 4 |
Condemnation | 8 | 4 |
Hatred | 4 | 4 |
Admiration | 1 | 1 |
Trust | 1 | 1 |
Love | 0 | 0 |
Don’t know | 5 | 6 |
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.