After a tumultuous winter in which Russia has been at odds with the West over Crimea, more than two-thirds of Americans say Russia is either unfriendly (44%) or an enemy (24%) to the U.S. This is a departure from sentiments in recent years and a record high since 1999.
The March 22-23 survey was conducted after Crimea voted to secede from Ukraine, and Russian President Vladimir Putin announced that Crimea had joined the Russian Federation. From 1999 to the middle of last year, Americans viewed Russia more positively than negatively. As recently as June 2013, 52% of Americans said Russia was an ally or friendly. CONT.
Art Swift, Gallup