I was watching a news report a few days ago that said that Putin is even more popular in Russia now versus before the start of the "Special Military Operation." This was supposedly based on a poll of Russian people and was reported.
Reported by who? Well, they never said, but these days there is only one source of news in Russia and it is completely controlled by Putin. But let's just say it was a legitimate poll and was legitimately reported. So would Putin having an 80% popularity in Russia now versus his 75% popularity rating before make sense. Absolutely! Why you say?
Well between the earlier poll and now there have been a few laws passed in Russia in case you haven't noticed. By the way, these laws are in direct violation of the Russian Constitution (there is one you know), but that doesn't make any difference if there is no one to hold anyone accountable to their constitution.
So these days saying the "Special Military Operation" is actually a war will get you 15 years in prison. Saying anything publicly that is contrary to the official reports by the government as provided by their controlled broadcasts (all other non-government media have been shut down) will get you 15 years in prison. To contradict Putin that "everything is going according to plan" will get you 15 years in prison.
So is an 80% popularity rating surprising? Frankly, yes. I am astounded that he didn't have a 100% popularity rating. That other 20% of the people have some serious strength of character and guts. Think about it.
If you lived in Russia these days and someone wanted to interview you for a poll and asked you if you supported your president and his "Special Military Operation" in Ukraine, what would you say? Would you say what you actually believe, or would you consider the 15 year consequences of saying something that might be interpreted as not fully in support. I saw the look on the face of one of Putin's staff when being questioned about something. The staff person was trying to be vague to avoid a direct answer. People really try not to lie. Putin smiled slightly and asked his question again and again as you could see the terror in the staff person's eyes until he delivered the unequivocal answer Putin was looking for. Then there came the look of relief. Putin smiled as the staff person began to breathe once again. Yes, I am really surprised Putin does not have a 100% popularity rating these days.
