Russian President Vladimir Putin has warned that a "full-scale World War III" is "possible" should any Western troops enter Ukraine.

Following his election victory on Sunday, where the Russian president was re-elected with a record 87 per cent of the vote, a reporter 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."

Putin addressed the nation and said that Russia was once again "one united family" despite winning an election that only saw him as the only possible winner.

He is now set to stay in power until at least 2030, and has ruled Russia since 2000 - the longest-serving Kremlin leader since Soviet dictator Joseph Stalin.

He said "History repeated itself," declaring also: "Dear friends, it's a great pleasure this evening to be with members of my team, with members of my team, people who think alike, who have the same goals. But let's think about this word, where it came from, comrade in arms, or teammates."

He concluded: "The votes of all citizens of Russia express the united will of the Russian Federation."

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The president also spoke about the recent developments the country has made in the fields of defence, science and education and also expressed his gratitude to the military, which he commended for "defending" Russia against Ukraine while adding: "Whoever wants to suppress us will not be successful."

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky said, "The Russian dictator is simulating another election".

Putin believes the results of the election mean that the Russian people have "trust" and "hope" in him as they want a "stronger and more effective" Russia, which he promised to deliver over the next six years.