WASHINGTON, Aug. 21 (Xinhua) -- Amid increasingly tense U.S.-Russia relations marked by alleged Russian meddling in the 2016 U.S. elections, most Americans believe it is more important to improve relations with Russia, rather than taking strong steps against it.
A recent Gallop poll showed that 58 percent Americans preferred better relations with Russia, while the "hardliners," who believe in strong diplomatic and economic steps, accounted for 36 percent.
The poll also found that most Americans -- 75 percent -- believe that Russia had interfered in the 2016 presidential election, while only 16 percent believe that Russia had no involvement in the election.
The result is largely divided along party lines. Just 9 percent Republicans agreed that Russians interfered and changed the outcome of the election, while the majority of Republicans, 58 percent, believe Russia interfered but did not change the outcome.
In contrast, 78 percent Democrats believe Russians interfered and helped Donald Trump defeat Hillary Clinton.
The United States and Russia have been levying sanctions against each other as bilateral relations continue to worsen.
Earlier this month, the U.S. State Department said Washington would impose new sanctions on Russia around Aug. 22 over the alleged poison attack on ex-Russian spy, Sergei Skripal, and his daughter Yulia in the British city of Salisbury in March.
