Any country coming up from a low base is gonna have people who feel good about the future. Russia is doing well because China's rapid growth has taken commodity prices through the roof. Russia contains more raw materials than Brazil, the US and Saudi Arabia combined. For instance, in the early 90's, Chinese motor vehicle sales were 2m. In 2012, they were 20m. Putin was as lucky as Yeltsin was not.
It certainly helps though if you do not have a leader who is a complete obstruction to any luck that might come the country’s way. And, really, at least 40% of the country cheering him on to their own detriment.