WASHINGTON, February 22. /TASS/. Americans now see Russian President Vladimir Putin in a better light than they did before, a Gallup poll says. According to the poll results, Putin’s image has risen by leaps and bounds among Republicans.

"Americans see Russian President Vladimir Putin in a better light than they did two years ago," the poll says. "Twenty-two percent now say they have a favorable opinion of Putin, up from 13% in 2015 and the highest percentage for a positive view of the Russian leader since 2003. His negative rating remains unchanged at 72%, while fewer Americans say they have no opinion of him."

The pollster added that "a major reason for the overall rise in Putin's favorable rating this year is Republicans’ more positive views of the Russian leader, from 12% in 2015 to 32% today." "This comes at a time when President Donald Trump wants to improve relations with Russia, after somewhat frosty relations between the two countries during Barack Obama's presidency."

According to the survey results, views on Putin among "independent voters" also have grown more positive in the last two years, but to a lesser extent than those of Republicans. Opinions among Democrats have become slightly less positive, with just 10% viewing Putin favorably today."

In recent years, the Obama administration and its affiliated media regularly launched a steady stream of smear campaigns against Russia. The new Trump administration has expressed willingness to get along with Russia, but Congress and the US media still continue to whip up anti-Russian rhetoric.

Gallup conducted the poll on February 1-5 among more than 1,000 of adults across the US.