Separatist leaders in eastern Ukraine ordered a full military mobilization on Saturday, citing an increase in bloodshed in the war-torn region and Western fears that Russia could exploit the unrest as a pretext for an invasion.
Denis Pushilin, the leader of Ukraine’s pro-Russia separatist government in Donetsk, issued a statement proclaiming a full troop mobilization and encouraging reservists to report to military enrollment offices.
Pushilin claimed that Ukrainian forces were posing an “immediate threat of attack,” claims that Ukrainian officials have previously strenuously refuted. Pushilin added, “I urge to all the men in the country who can handle guns to defend their families, their children, spouses, and mothers. We shall accomplish the coveted triumph that we all require if we work together.”
A vehicle bombing in the city of Donetsk on Friday added to the unease. The shelling killed a soldier in the government-controlled section of the Donetsk region on Saturday, according to the Ukrainian military, and separatist troops are deploying artillery in residential areas to provoke a response.
With an announcement that looked to be part of their and Moscow’s efforts to portray Ukraine as the aggressor, the rebels began evacuating civilians to Russia on Friday. According to a US defence official, 40 percent to 50 percent of ground forces stationed near the Ukrainian border have moved into offensive positions closer to the border.
Ukraine has denied any offensive plans. Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba tweeted, “We are totally dedicated to diplomatic dispute resolution exclusively.”
