The share of Russians, who think the country is going in the right direction hit its highest level in two years.

The proportion of Russians, which think that Russia is moving in right direction was up to 57% -- the highest mark since the end of 2015, according to the August poll from independent pollster the Levada Center.

The approval ratings of President Vladimir Putin also ticked up slightly from 81 to 83 in August and remains in the 2016 range of 80-86%.

Another surprise is Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev's approval rating that has recovered to 48% from the hit it took following regional demonstrations organized by anti-corruption blogger and opposition leader Alexei Navalny highlighting the prime minister’s corruption.

Medvedev’s popularity kept its growth from minimums 44% in 2016 and 48-58% in 2017. The lowest level he has seen was 42% set this March.

The government was up a point (50%, 2016 range, 43-51%) as well as State Duma (42%, 2016 range 37-45%).

The improvement in the outlook for the country amongst Russians will be well received in the Kremlin, which has clearly started its election campaign by refocusing spending from war to social spending ahead of presidential elections in a year’s time. Putin is widely expected to walk these elections, but a year of expanded social spending won't hurt his chances.

The uptick in optimism may also reflect the fact that not only are real wages back in the black but real disposable incomes are also back in the black – just. The macroeconomic recovery that has been visible for several quarters may now be trickling down enough to make itself felt for the man in the street.