The results of a recent poll conducted by the Russian Public Opinion Study Center shows that the majority of Russian citizens approve the work of President Barack Obama. The poll was conducted in 42 Russian regions in mid-January 2010.  

38 percent of those surveyed said that they had no opinion of the American leader personally, 16 percent indicated that they liked Mr. Obama, and 15 percent expressed respect for the U.S. President. 

At the same time, the number of Russian citizens having high hopes of the American President decreased from 20 percent one year ago to 14 percent today.  

5 percent of the poll’s participants expressed mistrust towards President Obama, 4 percent stated that they were skeptical, and 2 percent said that they disliked the U.S. leader. Only 1 percent of those surveyed expressed disappointment or disapproval.

Nearly one third of the people said that they respected the choice of the American people. A year ago, only 23 percent said that they respected the choice.

56 percent of those surveyed said that they approved Mr. Obama’s work. The number of Russian people who consider Russian-American relations as calm increased to 46 percent from 37 percent. 16 percent said that bilateral relations were neighborly, compared to 9 percent a year ago. 23 percent had a negative opinion of Russian-American relations. 17 percent said the relations were cooled-down, compared to 34 percent in 2009. 5 percent said that the relationship between the countries was tense – in contrast to 12 percent last year. Only 1 percent of those surveyed consider bilateral relations to be hostile. The poll also showed that 46 percent of the people believe that the relationship improved with the new White House administration.