Russia’s actions against the United States, its allies, and the broader international order have renewed debate about the threats facing America and how best to respond to them. As Russia’s full-scale war against Ukraine enters its fourth year, Americans continue to debate both the nature of the conflict and the appropriate U.S. response.

To better understand public attitudes, this nationwide survey examined voter perceptions of Russia, awareness of key developments in the war, and opinions on the implications for American security and foreign policy.

The findings reveal a public that views Russia as a significant challenge to U.S. interests. The research highlights notable gaps in Americans’ awareness of some of the conflict’s most consequential humanitarian and strategic developments, including the abduction of Ukrainian children, the use of sexual violence as a weapon of war, and the demonstrated effectiveness of Ukraine’s armed forces in resisting and degrading a larger Russian military. At the same time, the findings reveal broad concern about actions that target civilians, threaten critical infrastructure, or affect American national security. Together, these results provide a snapshot of how voters are thinking about one of the most consequential international conflicts of the current era.

 

Research Toplines:

Voters have little awareness of Russia’s conduct and are outraged once they learn the facts.

The survey finds that many voters are not fully aware of some of Russia’s most egregious actions in Ukraine and against U.S. interests but once informed, outrage is overwhelming.

  • Only 46% of voters are very or somewhat aware that Russia has forcibly taken and relocated hundreds of thousands of Ukrainian children to Russia, removing them from their families and homeland.
  • Only 42% of voters are very or somewhat aware that Russia uses rape and sexual violence as a weapon of war against Ukrainian women and girls.

Yet once voters are informed:

  • 91% express outrage that Russia deliberately attacks civilians during wartime, including children, the elderly, hospitals, and residential neighborhoods.
  • 91% express outrage about Russia’s systemic use of rape as a weapon of war.
  • 91% express outrage that Russia has forcibly taken and relocated hundreds of thousands of Ukrainian children to Russia.
  • 83% believe the use of rape and sexual violence as a weapon of war is never acceptable.

 

Voters overwhelmingly condemn Russian cyberattacks on critical American infrastructure.

Russian aggression is not limited to Ukraine. 

  • 91% of voters express outrage that Russian-linked hackers have conducted cyberattacks against American power grids, hospitals, water systems, and financial institutions.
  • 75% agree that Russian-linked cyberattacks on American hospitals and power grids represent a serious threat to the United States.

Nearly nine in 10 voters are outraged by Russian military support to Iran.

  • 89% of voters express outrage that Russia has provided weapons technology and military support to Iran.

A majority of voters say a tougher stance on Russia is consistent with America First foreign policy.

  • 61% of voters agree that taking a tougher stance on Russia is consistent with an American First foreign policy because it projects strength and deters adversaries.

Information about Russia’s actions increases the share of voters who view Russia as a serious threat. After voters were shown descriptions of reported Russian conduct, concern about Russia increased.

  • The share of voters who view Russia as an “extremely serious” threat rose from 19.8% to 24.3%
  • The share who view Russia as a “very” or “extremely” serious threat rose from 47% to 53%.
  • The share who view Russia as an outright enemy of the United States rose from 36.9% to 40.5%.

 

Download the Full Poll Results

Crosstabs:

DemocratsRepublicansIndependentsMenWomen

The survey was conducted by online interview among a nationwide random sample of 1,000 registered voters from May 18–19, 2026. Results are weighted and reported at a 95% confidence level with a margin of error of ±3.1 percentage points. Some percentages may not sum to 100% due to rounding.

 

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