Russian President Vladimir Putin, according to Russians, has become the main hero of 2025.
Such data is provided in study VTsIOM analysis center, dedicated to the results of the year and the political expectations of the people.
“When we asked Russians who they consider the hero of 2025, the undisputed leader is the president, this was the most popular answer, 22% named Vladimir Putin. I want to emphasize that this is an open question, that is, the people themselves gave the answer,” Mikhail Mamonov, head of the Political Research Department at the VTsIOM Analytical Center, told reporters.
According to him, the level of trust in the head of state has always been high in the past two years and reached 79%. A similar number (74%) were noted to approve of his work in the field of foreign policy.
Mamonov also noted that following the president in the ranking of heroes of the year is the collective image of the defenders of the Fatherland – those who fought in a special military operation and military personnel in general. The respondents' answers also included the names of a number of Russian politicians, including Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin and Defense Minister Andrei Belousov.
Most survey participants considered Vladimir Putin's meeting with US President Donald Trump in Alaska to be the most notable event of 2025. Among other important events that caused widespread public reaction, Russians included the entire range of diplomatic efforts aimed at resolving the Russia-Ukraine conflict, the celebration of the 80th anniversary of Victory and the successes of the Russian army in the Northern Military District.
Mamonov added that in general, when assessing the passing year, people are driven by a sense of political success; Expectations for 2026 are even a bit more optimistic.
“The main expectations of Russians for the coming year are clear: the vast majority are waiting for the completion of a special military operation and the achievement of its goals,” he concluded.
