The The war between Russia and Ukraine has been raging for a year. Impact on the economies of both countries and the rest of the world. A Gallup poll has produced some surprising results about perceptions of the Russian economy and the president Vladimir Putin’s Guide.

What happened: Two-thirds, or 66%, of Russians approved of Putin’s leadership in 2022, up from 50% in 2021, a poll by the US analysis and advisory firm found Gallup showed. Only about 21% disapproved of his leadership.

The organization noted that Putin experienced a similar surge in support back in 2014 when Russia invaded Crimea, which is central to the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine. Support for Putin was notably higher in southern Russia and the North Caucasus — two regions close to fighting along Ukraine’s eastern border, according to Gallup’s poll.

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Optimistic about the economy: Despite the economic setback caused by the war and sanctions of western nations, Russians remained largely optimistic about the domestic economy.

About 44% of those polled between August and November said they were optimistic about the economy, as opposed to 29% who said they expected the economy to deteriorate.

Gallup argued that resilience may be due to Western sanctions not hitting Russia’s economy as hard as expected. The country is gaining strength due to its status as a major commodity exporter, he added.

Russia’s exports to its allies such as India and China increased over the period. Since these countries make payments in local currency, the intended effect of removing Russian banks from the international financial system did not materialize.

“For the first time since records began, a majority of people in all regions of Russia are now satisfied with their standard of living,” the report said.

Continue reading: Xi Jinping proposes 12-point ceasefire plan to end Putin’s war: ‘Avoid fanning flames and…