Overwhelming majority of Russians support Putin's handling of world affairs, study shows

Russian President Vladimir Putin is viewed favourably by a big majority of his citizens, according to new research.

A study conducted by the Pew Research Center shows that 87 per cent of Russians have confidence in Putin’s ability to do the right thing on world affairs.

The immense support bestowed upon him is a notch higher than many other politicians, making him one of the most popular leaders in the world.

Unlike Putin, US President Donald Trump has seen his leadership rating worsen over the months, especially after the allegations over his relations with Russia. According to the latest polling, more than half of US citizens disapprove of the way Trump runs his administration.

Likewise, UK Prime Minister Theresa May's approval rating has plummeted since the General Election. 63 per cent of people surveyed by YouGov had an unfavourable view of the Tory leader, compared to just 29 per cent who said they had a favourable view.

Putin’s leadership has elevated Russians’ perception of their country’s importance on the world stage. Majority believe that Russia’s global influence is on the rise compared to a decade ago. 

Moscow exerted their influence when they vetoed a UN resolution condemning the sarin gas attack in Idlib province in Syria in April. This led Trump to describe US-Russia relations to be at an all-time low. Boris Johnson, the UK Foreign Secretary, said he was "dismayed" by the decision and that it put Russia "on the wrong side of the argument".

Despite the overwhelming confidence Putin received from his citizens, his takes on various foreign issues have dropped in popularity compared to 2015.

His approach on relations with the EU has plunged by 15 points in two years, to 67 per cent. His approval ratings over matters with the US have also deteriorated significantly during the first few months of Trump administration. 

Putin and Chinese leader Xi Jinping have often enlisted each other's help such as in averting crisis over North Korea. While his handling on Moscow's relations with Beijing is currently his strongest forte, support for the Russian leader on the front has dropped 12 points since 2015, to 78 per cent.