Putin sets July 1 for reform vote

MOSCOW: President Vladimir Putin said on Monday that Russia will vote on July 1 on constitutional reforms that could extend his rule beyond 2024, pressing ahead with the plan despite the coronavirus pandemic. The move came with officials saying the health crisis has passed its peak in Russia and with Moscow easing lockdown measures, though the country is still reporting thousands of new cases every day. Critics have warned authorities may be moving too quickly to open up, but Putin said Monday i