Vladimir Putin's Approval Ratings Soar, Despite Russia's Troubles

With the ruble losing more than half its value, the economy struggling, and the Ukraine crisis, one would think Vladimir Putin's days as president are numbered, but a new poll shows Russians see him as the solution, not the cause of the country's problems. The poll from the Associated Press and the University of Chicago found that about 80-percent of Russians still support Putin. But, it also showed that confidence in the economy is slipping. The poll showed how Russians view Putin is associated with how they get their news. 84% of those who identified state television as their main source of news are more likely to approve of Putin - than the 73% who have other sources. According to the poll, three out of four Russians say they trust the presidency and two out of three expressed faith in the military. Nearly 70% of the poll's respondents said some parts of Ukraine rightfully belong to Russia. The poll was based on interviews with 2,000 Russians.