(Angus Reid Global Monitor) - More people in Russia have a worse opinion of Britain today than six years ago, according to a poll by the Public Opinion Foundation. 36 per cent of respondents think Britain is an unfriendly nation, up eight points since 2001.

Conversely, only 29 per cent of respondents think Britain is friendly, down 19 points in six years.

Vladimir Putin was elected to a second term as Russia's president in March 2004 with 71.31 per cent of all cast ballots. In April 2005, Putin ruled out seeking a new mandate.

On Jul. 16, the British government announced it was expelling four Russian diplomats, restricting visas issued to Russian officials, and reviewing other aspects of bilateral relations due to Russia's refusal to extradite former intelligence agent Andrei Lugovoi to Britain. Lugovoi is suspected by British authorities of murdering former Russian agent Alexander Litvinenko on British soil.

The move was followed by Russia's announcement that it would also expel four diplomats, stop issuing visas for British officials, and halt counterterrorism cooperation with Britain. Russian officials have also said they would be willing to try Lugovoi in Russia if British authorities provide compelling evidence to do so. 17 per cent of respondents think it is possible that Lugovoi was involved in Litvinenko's murder, 21 per cent disagree, and 62 per cent are not sure.

On Jul. 30, Russia's Foreign Ministry announced it is still issuing visas to British diplomats despite the threats to cease the process. Chief spokesman Mikhail Kamynin denied that there was a plan to ban visas for British officials, saying, "There is, and there was, none."

Polling Data

Is Great Britain a friendly or unfriendly country?

Russian citizen Andrei Lugovoi is suspected of involvement in the Litvinenko assassination. Do you think it is possible or impossible that Mr. Lugovoi was involved in this crime?

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