Ukraine crisis: Putin's public approval is soaring, but is unlikely to last

Russia's military buildup along the Ukrainian border over the last few months coincides with a steady rise in Putin's popularity

Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered troops into eastern Ukraine on Feb. 21, 2022. The invasion could lead to the biggest armed conflict in Europe since World War II, Western leaders warn.

But amid the mounting tensions, public opinion polls in Russia show that support for Putin is rising.

The rally ‘round the flag effect of supporting political leadership during an international crisis will likely be short-lived.

Historical data shows that diversionary wars — fighting abroad to draw attention