Almost 70pct of Russians ready to vote for Putin

Almost 70% of respondents interviewed by the All-Russia Public Opinion Research Center (VTsIOM) are ready to support incumbent Russian President Vladimir Putin in the upcoming March 18 presidential election.

During the survey, held on February 19-22 and 24-26, respondents were asked who they would vote for should the presidential election take place next Saturday.

"As of February 19-26, 69.1% of Russians are ready to vote for Vladimir Putin," reads the survey, obtained by TASS.

During the previous survey on February 12-18, a total of 69.5% of respondents were ready to support Putin.

"The support for the leader remains within the established corridor: the level of Putin's electoral support for each day in the second half of February remains within the narrow margin of 67-72," VTsIOM said.

The approval ratings of other presidential candidates are as...