Acting Ukrainian President Oleksandr Turchynov has signed an order reinstating military conscription as pro-Russian separatist groups continue to storm and seize government buildings in eastern Ukraine.
Turchynov signed the order on May 1.
The order comes into effect immediately.
Turchynov said in a statement the move was necessary "given the deteriorating situation in the east and the south ... the rising force of armed pro-Russian units and the taking of public administration buildings ... which threaten territorial integrity."
Ukrainian police and security forces in eastern Ukraine have found themselves in a delicate situation as they are expected to defend state buildings but reluctant to use force against pro-Russian demonstrators, fearing that could trigger an invasion of Russian forces currently massed along the two countries' border.
Turchynov signed the order on May 1.
The order comes into effect immediately.
Turchynov said in a statement the move was necessary "given the deteriorating situation in the east and the south ... the rising force of armed pro-Russian units and the taking of public administration buildings ... which threaten territorial integrity."
Ukrainian police and security forces in eastern Ukraine have found themselves in a delicate situation as they are expected to defend state buildings but reluctant to use force against pro-Russian demonstrators, fearing that could trigger an invasion of Russian forces currently massed along the two countries' border.