Ukraine bids to form national guard to 'defend country against aggression'
Ukraine’s acting president has called for the formation of a national guard and for the mobilisation of reserves and volunteers into the country’s armed forces in order to counter Russian military aggression.
Oleksandr Turchynov asked the national parliament today to approve a decision to turn the country’s interior ministry troops into a national guard whose aim “is to defend the country and citizens against any criminals, against external and internal aggression”.
Mr Turchynov said the mobilisation will cover those who have previously served in the army as well as volunteers.
Russian forces have strengthened their control over Ukraine’s Crimea region in the run-up to a contentious referendum set for Sunday on whether to split off and become part of Russia.
