Voting has started in Russia’s presidential election, widely expected to secure another six-year term for Vladimir Putin. The election spans three days, although the outcome is essentially predetermined, lacking any credible opposition.

Thursday’s front pages report on the ongoing row over alleged comments made by Tory donor Frank Hester about MP Diane Abbott. Hester – who donated £10m to the Conservative Party last year, reportedly said Abbott made him “want to hate all black women,” and said she “should be shot.” 

Hunter Biden, the son of President Joe Biden, is scheduled to stand trial on June 3rd on charges related to the illegal possession of a handgun, as stated by a judge.

The US House of Representatives has approved significant legislation that may lead to the banning of TikTok in the United States. Under this legislation, the Chinese parent company of the popular social media platform, ByteDance, would have a six-month window to divest its controlling stake, failing which the app would be barred from operation in the US.

A variety of, mostly domestic, topics dominate the UK front pages. The latest from the UK political scene makes a few of the splashes, as the government admitted comments made by one of the party’s biggest donors were racist. 

US President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump will face a 2020 rematch for the White House after securing their party nominations.