“They voted in Russia, we take note of it,” League leader Salvini said on the sidelines of a conference on public transport in Milan.

“When a people vote, it is always right.

“Elections are always good, both when one wins and when one loses.

“When I lose them, I try to understand where I went wrong and how to do better next time.

“Elections have taken place, we take note of the vote of the Russian citizens, hoping that 2024 will be the year of peace.”

Many Western leaders have condemned the election as undemocratic and rigged.

ANSA