On June 12, news outlets reported on a Russian submarine arriving in Cuba. American reactions to Russia’s subsequent military exercises conducted off the east coast of the U.S. are significantly polarized. They reflect the high-tension surrounding Russia-U.S. relations and their wider global implications.

Two themes are prominent in voter discussions: geopolitical anxieties and domestic political divisions.

Geopolitical Anxieties

• Americans are concerned about escalating geopolitical tensions, especially due to Russia's military exercises near American soil.
• Russia's military actions are seen as a significant geopolitical statement linked to its invasion of Ukraine.
• There are discussions about potential U.S. responses, including using frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine, which could cause inflation.
• There is widespread worry about China aligning with Russia and escalating tensions further.

• Many voters have divergent views on whether Russia and China are aligning against the U.S. or reflecting global ambivalence towards U.S. foreign policy.

Domestic Political Divisions

• President Biden's foreign policy on Russia and Ukraine is highly contentious, with critics alleging it provokes Russia and potentially involves corruption.
• Supporters emphasize the complexity of international relations and past U.S. interventions.
• There is widespread critique of U.S. interventionist policies by both Democratic and Republican administrations, with claims of lost moral high ground.
• Discussions on Russia's military exercises reveal deeper anxieties and divisions in American society, linking international affairs with domestic politics.

Other Discussions

• Some voters raise concerns about the economic impact of potential conflicts, highlighting risks posed to the global economy and speculating about possible retaliatory sanctions.
• There were also discussions about the role of NATO, with some questioning its effectiveness. Others defend the alliance's necessary role in maintaining balance.
• Given the historical context of U.S.-Russian-Cuban relations, the fact that Russia’s naval vessels arrived in Cuba sparked significant apprehension among some Americans.

Sentiment Analysis

Skepticism and concern seem to dominate American feelings about potential escalations with Russia. There is a generally anxious mood regarding the recent military drills and the potential threat from adversaries. However, due to the complex and nuanced nature of the topic, sentiments scatter widely across the spectrum. Positive sentiments are largely expressed with dismissive attitudes, while negative sentiments are more common among those critical of the Biden administration's foreign policy.