On 14 March 2004 , Putin was elected to the presidency for a second term , receiving 71 % of the vote . The Beslan school hostage crisis took place in September 2004 , in which hundreds died . Many in the Russian press and in the international media warned that the death of 130 hostages in the special forces ' rescue operation during the 2002 Moscow theater hostage crisis would severely damage President Putin 's popularity . However , shortly after the siege had ended , the Russian president enjoyed record public approval ratings – 83 % of Russians declared themselves satisfied with Putin and his handling of the siege
Moscow theater hostage crisis
Moscow theater hostage crisis
Vladimir Putin