Just to clarify, when I say "global popular opinion" I'm not referring to one opinion, which is so absurd it's funny anyone would even imagine I meant that.  I am referring to the attitudes of those throughout the world, not just limited to those in Russia.  Maybe it's an "American English" thing?  Anyway, the specific number of differing opinions of Russia and what they are exactly was not my point.  My point was, they exist, and ignoring them might not be such a hot idea.

"Pretending that you already know the answer when you don't is not actually very helpful." ~Migeru.