Americans fear being drawn in

Russia’s war on Ukraine has most Americans at least somewhat worried that the U.S. will be drawn directly into the conflict. Now a new poll says there is also anxiety among Americans that they could be targeted with nuclear weapons.

Nearly 50% ‘very concerned’

Close to half of Americans in the poll say they are very concerned that Russia would directly target the U.S. with nuclear weapons, and an additional 3 in 10 are somewhat concerned about that.

Concern about Putin using nukes

Roughly 9 in 10 Americans are at least somewhat concerned that Putin might use a nuclear weapon against Ukraine, including about 6 in 10 who are very concerned.

Use of nukes ‘more possible’

Seventy-one percent of Americans say the invasion has increased the possibility of nuclear weapons being used anywhere in the world. Russian President Vladimir Putin placed his country’s nuclear forces on high alert shortly after the Feb. 24 invasion.

Poll before N Korea missile test

The poll was held by the Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research among a representative sample of 1,082 adults. It was conducted before North Korea test-fired its biggest intercontinental ballistic missile.