More than 66 percent of Russians believe Vladimir Putin should remain the president of Russia for a fourth term, according to a poll by Moscow’s state-run Public Opinion Foundation published on June 25.

Almost three quarters of the 1,500 Russian citizens polled said Mr. Putin’s presidential activity corresponded to their expectations when they voted for him in 2012.

More than half said Putin’s performance during the current term—most notable for the annexation of Crimea—is better than during his first two presidential terms, which spanned from 2000 to 2008.

Nikolai Mironov, director general of the Institute of Priority Regional Projects, said the poll shows that Russians are overjoyed at seeing their nation take steps toward becoming a great empire once again. “People feel far more confident about their future, calm and security,” itar-tass News Agency quoted him as saying. “[T]hey hope that Russia will restore its status of ‘great power.’”

Since the Public Opinion Foundation is run and monitored by the Russian government, some dispute the validity of the poll. But independent groups have recently found similar results, as published here and here. These separate studies lend credence to the poll’s conclusions.

Russians’ soaring approval for Putin is no coincidence. The only time his current popularity level was exceeded was in September 2008, just after Russia crushed Georgia’s military and brought two of its regions under de facto Russian control. Patterns show that Putin’s popularity climbs when he is leading Russia to expand its territory and power. This is because he taps into the national pride that is abundant among Russians; he also harnesses the deep-seated belief of many Russians that they are misunderstood by Westerners.

To understand the implications of Russia’s support of Putin, read our article “Westerners Say He’s Out of Touch, But Putin’s Popularity Is Soaring High Over Ukraine.”