Five things to know about Russia's presidential vote

Tesla Boss Elon Musk sparked furore after suggesting abolition of U.S.-led military alliance NATO. "I always wondered why NATO continued to exist even though its nemesis and reason to exist, The Warsaw Pact, had dissolved," Musk said on X which he owns. Hitting back, NATO member state Latvia's President blamed Russia for the birth and continued existence of NATO. "The reason NATO was founded, exists and will last is Russia and other enemies of the free world," The Latvian President said. Russia has repeatedly opposed NATO expansion which reportedly played a role in the invasion of Ukraine which was inclined to join the alliance.