Russians cool over Bush

MOSCOW, Russia (CNN) -- George Bush is set to hold talks with Vladimir Putin amid waning support for the U.S. president among Russians.

Bush sees Moscow as a key player in the U.S.-led war against terror. He is also ready to sign off on a deal which will see the former Cold War foes reduce their nuclear armoury.

But many Russians see Bush and his foreign policy as unilateral. They make a distinction between support for the American people and their opinion of the president.

From the beginning of this year there has been a notable increase in anti-American feeling. After September 11 people on a human level were very sympathetic over what had happened to America, seeing it as a terrible tragedy.

But when they look at the U.S. as a superpower you get negative feelings, that the U.S. is unilateral and wants to throw its weight around.

A survey published last week showed only 25 percent of Russians liked Bush as a politician, down from 32 percent in November. Meanwhile, 45 percent of those questioned said they did not like him, up from 37 percent. Among people with university degrees, 57 percent stated a dislike.

The poll, by the Public Opinion Foundation, also asked what came to mind when people thought of Bush. His critics used words like "aggressive, arrogant and egotistical." His admirers said he was "energetic, decisive, strong, democratic and patriotic."

Among the biggest critics are the communists who believe Russia has given up too much and no longer counts with the U.S. They say the deal to cut the number of nuclear weapons shows Russia has caved in.

In Russia's political elite, there is also unease at Bush's desire to crack down on what he says are terrorist operations in countries like Iraq and Iran. Some say Moscow has had relations with those countries for some time and Washington has no right to dictate terms.

But Moscow's policy on Iraq has changed. It wants U.N. weapons inspectors back in and Putin may be prepared to stand aside should Bush take action against Baghdad.

However Iran, labelled "the most active sponsor of terrorism" by the U.S. State Department on Tuesday, would be an issue likely to seriously divide Moscow and Washington.