Russia's Putin tries to give ruling party a pre-election boost with spending promises

Russian President Vladimir Putin addresses the audience during the annual congress of the United Russia party in Moscow, Russia June 19, 2021. Sputnik/Sergei Karpukhin/Pool via REUTERS

MOSCOW (Reuters) - President Vladimir Putin sought on Saturday to give Russia's ruling party a pre-election boost by promising to spend big on infrastructure, education and health.

Putin, 68, also announced his key allies, the defence and foreign ministers, would front the campaign for the ruling United Russia party for September's parliamentary elections.