Putin's approval rating in Russia sets new record

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The approval rating of Russian President Vladimir Putin remains at the highest level during the last two years for two consecutive weeks - 67.8 percent, a survey conducted by the All-Russian Public Opinion Research Center (VTsIOM) said.

Sociologists noted that Putin's rating has been growing against the backdrop of the worsening political situation in Ukraine and the Crimea, successful completion of the Olympic Winter Games in Sochi and preparations to the opening of Paralympic Games.

VTsIOM stressed that over the past two years, Russian citizens have expressed approval of the work of the head of state on the level above 60 percent.

Previously, the maximum value of this index was reported in May 2012 (68.8 percent), immediately after Putin's inauguration as president.