March 20, 2018
Vladimir Putin’s popularity has ebbed and flowed over the 18 years he’s been in power — but nothing boosted him quite like the annexation of Crimea in 2014, which was genuinely popular among most Russians. But with Russia’s economy in the doldrums, shows of geopolitical resolve are an easy way for Putin to maintain popularity as he settles into his fourth presidential term (fifth term in power overall).
