The survey conducted by Russia's Levada Center showed that 55 percent of those surveyed would cast their ballot for Putin, when given an open-ended question. The figure is even higher among those who have already made up their mind, with up to 86 percent supporting the incumbent president.
When asked about the actual presidential elections due in 2018, 57 percent of the respondents said they wanted Putin to be reelected for another term in the office, while only 25 percent said they wanted to see somebody else win.
Vladimir Putin is currently serving his third term as the Russian president. Putin previously was president from 2000 to 2008. He served as prime minister for four years before being elected president again in March 2012. He is currently serving a six-year term, until 2018.
Last December, Putin said that his decision to run for another term in office would depend on the overall results of the country's development.
The Russian Constitution does not limit the total number of terms a person may serve as president. A person can serve two consecutive terms, but must wait a full term before running again.
