Stung by sanctions over Ukraine, Russians rally behind Vladimir Putin April 11, 2022 at 12:13AM

Like many members of Russia's affluent middle class, advertising producer Rita Guerman had long opposed Kremlin strongman Vladimir Putin. But punishing Western sanctions following Putin's decision to send troops to Ukraine in late February has changed her opinion of the Russian leader. "I have opened my eyes," said the 42-year-old brunette, praising the Russian president for defending the country "against NATO".