KIEV, November 17 (Sputnik) – Ukraine has prepared its first line of defense, equipment and reservists in the event of a military confrontation with Russia, Ukraine's National Security and Defense Council spokesman Andriy Lysenko said Monday.
“Regardless whether the beginning of a war is scheduled or not, the Ukrainian military must be prepared for the development of any situation, including against aggression,” Lysenko said at a briefing, answering a reporter's question on whether the Ukrainian army is ready for military action against Russia should it occur.
“The first line of defense has been prepared, our divisions have been fortified, additional defense equipment has been released <…> additional divisions of people who are currently on active reserve have been prepared and are ready to deploy in any direction wherever aggression may occur,” Lysenko said.
Kiev and a number of Western nations have accused Russia of meddling in Ukraine's internal conflict. The accusations vary from providing aid to independence supporters to direct participation of the Russian army in fighting. Moscow has dismissed all claims as lacking evidence.
On Sunday, Lysenko claimed that the Ukrainian army had registered signs of pro-independence forces and Russian troops preparing for an offensive.
