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Russians mostly indifferent about U.S., poll shows

MOSCOW. Feb 6 (Interfax) - A poll conducted by the Public Opinion Foundation shows that Russians are mostly indifferent about the United States even though the events that take place in the U.S. certainly affect Russians' attitudes towards the country.

In February 2003 and March 2002, 46% of Russians surveyed said they were indifferent about the U.S. About the same percentage (46%) said so in February 2002 and September 2001.

At the same time, sociologists note that in the wake of the terrorists attacks that occurred in the U.S. on September 11, 2001, the percentage of Russians who said they felt negative about the U.S. dropped from 17% to 12% and the number of sympathizers increased from 32% to 38%.

However, the 2002 Winter Olympics, where respondents believe Russian athletes were treated "unfairly," caused the number of those who sympathize with the U.S. to decrease from 32% in February to 20% in March.

The percentages of those who sympathize with the U.S. and those who do not are currently at 25% each.

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