74% of Russians is willing to support the reelection of the current Russian leader Vladimir Putin in the presidential elections of 2018 if it is finally presented, according to a survey released today.
"74% of the expressed at the beginning of 2016 Russian willingness to vote for Vladimir Putin in the presidential close, the highest percentage in the last four years," said State Russian Center for the Study of Public Opinion (VTsIOM, acronym Russian).
The figure is almost double the support that the Kremlin chief was in October 2012, 40%, its lowest point popularity after massive repression of opposition demonstrations.
According to VTsIOM, only 15% of respondents expressed their intention not to vote for Putin, while 11% said they have not decided how to vote.
The study indicates that increased support for Putin "is observed in all social and demographic groups".
"Over time, in the opinion of Russians, Putin promises made in the election campaign for elections (March) 2012 are being met," he said.
The survey was conducted between 23 and 24 February among 1,600 people in 130 cities of Russia.
Russian president's popularity began to skyrocket in the spring of 2014, after the annexation of the Crimea, from 76.2% in March of that year to 89.9% in October, its highest peak, as have been VTsIOM polls showing.
Putin, who returned to the Kremlin in 2012 after a four year hiatus as prime minister, has not yet said whether he will seek re-election, although all analysts predict that it will and will remain in power until 2024.
The legislation allows him to run for a second consecutive term of six years.
Recently, the historic leader of the Russian liberals, Grigory Yavlinsky, was elected Yabloko party candidate for the 2018 presidential election, when he will try to unseat Putin.