For Russians, Putin’s personality and policies are what drive his popularity.
No one else in Russia has his standing. You could perhaps compare him to France’s DeGaulle as someone who shaped his country’s identity and future.
Hard to imagine now what the country will look like when he finally leaves the scene.
Well the sheer fear of having to confront that very question is what keeps Russians loyal to Putin.
Putin has more popular support in Russia than Trump has in America. Sad but true.