Russians are 94% self-described patriots.

Some 94% of Russians describe themselves as patriots, more than at any point since surveys first began, the Russian Public Opinion Research Center (VTSIOM) said on Friday.

The increase was driven mainly by a ten percentage point surge in “unconditional” patriotism since last year, which now stands at 62%, VTSIOM revealed. Back in 2005, when the survey first started, it was just 47%.

“Today, the feeling of patriotism is shared approximately equally by men and women (93% and 95%, respectively), the young and the old (87% in the 18-24 category and 94% among those 60+), and residents of cities and the countryside (94% and 95% respectively),” said the pollster.

That’s incredible, and, by the recent election results, accurate. Of course, it’s to be expected from a rising powerhouse that is literally beating down the embodiment of evil on earth. The 2 point difference of women over men is interesting as is the virtual tie between urban and country patriots. But they’ve earned it, pride and joy in a real nation determined to exist. A commenter on the article summed up my thoughts and those of probably billions of people: “I am a Russian patriot… and I am not even Russian.”

Let’s have a song!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FAPwIEWzqJE