Putin appeals to Russians to vote to allow him to stay in office until 2036

President plays patriotism card on eve of vote on constitutional changes

Vladimir Putin has exhorted fellow Russians to vote for a slew of constitutional amendments that would also let him stay in office until 2036.

Standing before a new statue commemorating the efforts of Soviet soldiers during the second world war on the day before voting ends, Putin appealed to ordinary Russians' patriotism and their desire for stability without mentioning the stark political implications the vote would have by resetting his term limits and allowing him to seek re-election twice more as president.