Ukraine's capital was attacked by
Russia for the first time in 44 days today as Kyiv residents woke early to loud explosions. Ukraine's Emergency Service said 13 people were wounded, including one child, and that dozens of people were evacuated from their homes. Around 30 cruise and ballistic missiles were shot down over the city, said Serhii Popko, the head of Kyiv City Administration. In the Shevchenkivskyi district in western Kyiv, an apartment in a multistory building and cars were set on
fire as a result of the
Russian attack, Mayor Vitali Klitschko said. The attack comes after
Ukraine has continuously attacked Russia's Belgorod region near the border with Ukraine for several days. It comes as
Vladimir Putin warned a "full-scale World War III" is "possible" should any Western troops enter Ukraine . A reporter at a press conference the president held on Sunday asked about French President Emmanuel Macron's recent comments suggesting troops might be sent to Ukraine to aid the country in its war effort. Putin responded: "I think anything is possible in today’s world and it’s clear to everyone that this would be one step from a full-scale World War III." US congressman sparks fury as he wears Vladimir Putin mask during Biden impeachment inquiry
police officers inspect an
explosion crater after a
missile attack in Kyiv today ( Image: AFP via Getty Images) The heinous comment comes after the former KGB member, 71, was elected to a fifth six-year term, making him the longest-ruling Russian leader since Josef Stalin, with his reign slated to continue until 2030, when it is believed he will seek yet another term. Initial exit poll results reported by Russian government-sanctioned media organisation Sputnik indicate that he received around 88% of the vote, with his "opponents" garnering less than 5 per cent each. The ballots closed at 8pm in
Moscow, with some sites around the world at Russian embassies open later than that. People could be seen pouring into
election sites all weekend during the three-day affair, the first of its kind in Russia , as Putin commended the turnout. In a fiery speech after he was declared the victor, Putin addressed the nation and said that Russia was once again "one united family" despite winning an election that only saw him and his allies on the ballot — the result of him cracking down harshly on any dissent.