Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin (born 7 October 1952) is a Russian politician and former intelligence officer who has served as President of Russia since 2012, previously holding the position from 1999 until 2008. He was also the Prime Minister of Russia from 1999 to 2000 and again from 2008 to 2012.
Russia is set to hold a July 1 referendum that could see President Vladimir Putin stay in power until 2036.The vote will be over whether to accept constitution changes that would allow Putin to run for another two presidential terms.The proposed changes to the country's 1993 constitution were revealed in January and backed by Russia's parliament, the State Duma, in March.There are around 200 amendments proposed to the constitution even though Putin has traditionally been opposed to changes,.