If in the international scene Vladimir Putin is a non -pleasant person, he can boast of showing popularity in his population so that his western opponents paleness. According to the analytical center of Levada, an Independent Russia Survey Institute classified “Agent from abroad”, Kremlin’s teacher has almost never been as appreciated as today.
After more than three years of war in Ukraine in April 2025, its popularity reached 87%. “Its popularity is increasing at this time, it is linked to conversations with Ukraine, there is hope of peace and is very well seen by the Russians,” said BFMTV, Denis Volkov, director of Levada.
“The majority of the population is not affected by war”
The last one stands out in the columns of challenges that now “60% of the population shows their preference for peace negotiations, instead of an extension of the conflict”, while this figure was around “around 50%” so far.
But “the declared support for the Armed Forces and the military operation remains stable,” agrees. “The overwhelming majority of the population is not affected by war, does not run any risk and continues to live normally.”
In Russia, only the regions of Koursk, Belgorod and the British, on the border with Ukraine, are subject to drone attacks and Ukrainian incursions. If injured and civilians must be deplored in these regions, the rest of the territory is not directly reached by war.
“Gathering the Russian flag”
Such support for Vladimir Putin is thus explained by “the meeting around the Russian flag, in what is perceived as a conflict between Russia and the West”, but also for “the impact of official narratives on the media.”
Even the country’s economy plays in favor of the Russian leader, in power for 25 years, according to the director of the Levada Center that speaks of “stability.” Especially with the least rich ones that are not directly affected by the train of western sanctions. An affirmation that is surprising when you know that inflation now exceeds 10% in Russia.
Many experts believe that the Russian economy is “overheating” and could experience a “stick return” in the near future, explains the journalist Régis Géné, recognized for his analysis of Russia, on Swiss television RT. “The Russians are willing to accept the reality of war, but on the condition that it does not affect their wallet,” he says.
According to Levada Survey Institute, almost 70% of Russians estimate that the country is in the right direction.
“You are not afraid of anything, that’s what I like about him”
In the streets, the muscovitas multiply praise to their president. “It’s great that everyone respects and is afraid of it,” says Nikita in the BFMTV microphone.
“Putin is super virile, he is a real man, he is brave, he is not afraid of anything, that is what I like about him,” Daria abounds.
When another passerby, Ivan, rents a “army support” provided by Vladimir Putin. “You remember what situation was the Russian army after the fall of the USSR, and Vladimir Putin arrived, and gave a lot of support to the military,” he said.
In a Moscow store, the purchases of articles in the image of the Russian president are daily. Russian dolls, calendars, figures or t -shirts, the flagship product, Kremlin’s teacher is everywhere. “I am a Putin fan, he is really elegant in this shirt,” exclaims a client. “There are many requests,” confirms Aziza Akimbaeva, manager of a memories.
“The Russians no longer dare to say what they think”
However, this extreme popularity that is shown requires being put into perspective, according to the political scientist Vera Grantsva. Since “the establishment of an authoritarian regime”, after the 2012 presidential elections and the repression of demonstrations against their choice: “Putin’s popularity has become very difficult to measure, because Russians no longer dare to say what they think,” she emphasizes with the public Senate.
Before adding: “It is not only linked to the violent repression of opponents, but also to a strong propaganda, a Kremlin control in all means whose information generates a fog in people’s minds.”
“Today, most Russians no longer believe in anything, neither in politicians nor in democracy,” he said. Vera Grantsva specifies that, unlike Westerners, “Russians fail to transform this despair into political dissatisfaction, because opposing the regime is risking their lives.”
Source: BFM TV
