Putin’s popularity rises amidst sanctions, on-going war in Ukraine—independent pollster reveals

Approval numbers regarding Russian President Vladimir Putin’s activities since the start of the Russia-Ukraine War have seen a steep increase in recent months, according to a new poll from independent pollster Levada.

The poll showed that approval of Putin’s actions increased from 69 percent in January to 83 percent in March

Since February, the level of confidence in Putin as a leader has increased by 10 percentage points in Russia to reach 44 percent, the Levada poll said. Putin is not the only Russian figure whose approval or confidence ratings have increased since Russia invaded Ukraine late last month.

In January, 59 percent of Russians approved of Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin’s activities, but that figure was up to 71 percent in March, according to the Levada poll. The levels of trust for Mishustin, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu, Liberal Democratic Party of Russia leader Vladimir Zhirinovsky and Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov have also increased.

Newsweek