Vladimir Putin's approval rating at record levels

Almost nine out of 10 Russians approve of their president, according to survey that also highlights support for Ukraine strategy

Vladimir Putin's approval rating is at record levels, with nine out of 10 Russians saying they have a positive view of their president. Putin had an approval of 87% in July, and an all-time high of 89% in June, according to Levada Centre polling.

Following a drop in popularity in 2012 and 2013, when Putin's approval ratings dropped into the 60s, the Russian president's popularity picked up again last year on the back of events in Ukraine.