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63% Of Americans Concerned Russia May Use Nuclear Weapons, Quinnipiac University National Poll Finds; 7 Out Of 10 Say U.S. Troops Should Get Involved If Russia Invades A NATO Country

In a survey that began after Russia's invasion of Ukraine and concluded Sunday evening, a majority of Americans are voicing concern about Russia's nuclear weapons. In the wake of Russian President Vladimir Putin referencing dire consequences facing any country that tries to counter the invasion, Americans say 63 - 32 percent that they are concerned that Russia may use nuclear weapons if NATO, which includes the United States, tries to interfere with Russia's invasion of Ukraine, according to a Quinnipiac (KWIN-uh-pea-ack) University national poll of adults released today.

Most of the survey was conducted before Putin announced Sunday that he was ordering Russian nuclear forces to be put on high alert.

Americans think 66 - 20 percent that Putin has intentions to invade other countries beyond Ukraine.

If Russia invades a NATO country, Americans say 70 - 21 percent that American troops should get involved.

Support has increased for President Biden's decision to deploy thousands of troops to Eastern Europe to support U.S. allies in NATO. Americans now support the decision 70 - 21 percent. In a February 16, 2022 Quinnipiac University Poll, they supported it 54 - 36 percent.

"American support for defending NATO countries surrounding Ukraine grows dramatically, but Americans cast a wary eye on the possible consequences. By more than three to one, they see Russia expanding its attack, and register deep concern over the darkest possible scenario, a nuclear attack on NATO and/or the United States," said Quinnipiac University Polling Analyst Tim Malloy.

BIDEN

Americans give President Biden a negative 37 - 52 percent job approval rating with 11 percent not offering an opinion. That's compared to a negative 35 - 55 percent job approval rating in Quinnipiac University's February 16, 2022 poll.

In today's poll, registered voters give Biden a negative 38 - 52 percent job approval rating with 10 percent not offering an opinion. In February, registered voters gave Biden a negative 37 - 56 percent job approval rating.

Thirty-nine percent of Americans approve of Biden's handling of the response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, while 47 percent disapprove, and 14 percent did not offer an opinion. Among registered voters, 40 percent approve, while 47 percent disapprove, and 13 percent did not offer an opinion.

U.S. ACTIONS: RUSSIA, UKRAINE

A majority of Americans (57 percent) think the steps that the Biden administration has taken to punish Russia for the invasion of Ukraine are not tough enough, while 29 percent say they are about right, and 3 percent say they are too tough.

Democrats are split with 44 percent saying the steps are not tough enough, and 47 percent saying they are about right, with 2 percent saying they are too tough. On the other hand, 80 percent of Republicans and 56 percent of independents say the steps are not tough enough.

A plurality of Americans (45 percent) think the United States is doing too little to help Ukraine, 37 percent think the U.S. is doing about the right amount, and 7 percent think the U.S. is doing too much to help Ukraine.

PUTIN

More than 8 in 10 Americans (81 percent) have an unfavorable opinion of Vladimir Putin, 4 percent have a favorable opinion, and 12 percent haven't heard enough about him.

Roughly half of Americans (49 percent) think Putin is mentally unstable, while 31 percent think he's mentally stable, and 20 percent did not offer an opinion.

Americans say 86 - 6 percent that Russia is not justified in making the claim that Ukraine should be reclaimed by Russia and no longer be a sovereign territory.

"By a large majority, Vladimir Putin is deeply disliked, his justification for attacking Ukraine is rejected and nearly half of Americans consider him mentally unstable," added Malloy.

SUPREME COURT PICK

Days after President Biden nominated Ketanji Brown Jackson to the Supreme Court, Americans say 48 - 22 percent that the U.S. Senate should confirm her to the Supreme Court, with 29 percent not offering an opinion.

1,364 U.S. adults nationwide were surveyed from February 25th - 27th with a margin of error of +/- 2.7 percentage points.

The Quinnipiac University Poll, directed by Doug Schwartz, Ph.D. since 1994, conducts independent, non-partisan national and state polls on politics and issues. Surveys adhere to industry best practices and are based on random samples of adults using random digit dialing with live interviewers calling landlines and cell phones.

Visit poll.qu.edu or www.facebook.com/quinnipiacpoll

Email poll@qu.edu, or follow us on Twitter @QuinnipiacPoll.

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