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Ukraine crisis: Kiev reinstates conscription Ukraine crisis: Kiev reinstates conscription
(35 minutes later)
Ukraine's acting President Olexander Turchynov has reinstated military conscription to deal with deteriorating security in the east of the country.Ukraine's acting President Olexander Turchynov has reinstated military conscription to deal with deteriorating security in the east of the country.
The move, announced in a decree, came as pro-Russia militants seized the regional prosecutor's office in the eastern city of Donetsk.The move, announced in a decree, came as pro-Russia militants seized the regional prosecutor's office in the eastern city of Donetsk.
Ukraine blames Russia for organising the seizures of a number of offices in the east, a claim Moscow denies.Ukraine blames Russia for organising the seizures of a number of offices in the east, a claim Moscow denies.
Some 40,000 Russian troops are stationed near the Ukrainian border.Some 40,000 Russian troops are stationed near the Ukrainian border.
Mr Turchynov admitted on Wednesday that his forces were "helpless" to quell the unrest in some parts of the east, saying the goal was now to prevent it from spreading.Mr Turchynov admitted on Wednesday that his forces were "helpless" to quell the unrest in some parts of the east, saying the goal was now to prevent it from spreading.
He also said Ukraine was on "full combat alert", amid fears that Russian troops could invade.He also said Ukraine was on "full combat alert", amid fears that Russian troops could invade.
On Thursday, his office said in a statement that conscription was being introduced "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".On Thursday, his office said in a statement that conscription was being introduced "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".
Correspondents say Ukraine has 130,000 personnel in its armed forces that could be boosted to about one million with reservists.Correspondents say Ukraine has 130,000 personnel in its armed forces that could be boosted to about one million with reservists.
Kiev scrapped compulsory military service for young men under a law introduced in late 2013 by then President Viktor Yanukovych. Kiev scrapped compulsory military service for young men in late 2013 under a law introduced by then President Viktor Yanukovych.
At the time, Mr Yanukovych said Ukraine would introduce military reforms to create "a professional army".At the time, Mr Yanukovych said Ukraine would introduce military reforms to create "a professional army".
Police disarmed
In Donetsk on Thursday, pro-Russian militants attacked the prosecutor's office, accusing those inside of siding with the government in Kiev.In Donetsk on Thursday, pro-Russian militants attacked the prosecutor's office, accusing those inside of siding with the government in Kiev.
The crowd later forced its way into the building, stripping weapons and shields from the police officers. The crowd later forced its way into the building, stripping weapons and shields from police officers.
Many attackers chanted "Fascists! Fascists!". Many attackers chanted "Fascists! Fascists!". There are reports of injuries on both sides.
One policeman running away from the prosecutor's office told the BBC's Steve Rosenberg: "How on earth can we deal with this kind of thing?"One policeman running away from the prosecutor's office told the BBC's Steve Rosenberg: "How on earth can we deal with this kind of thing?"
Donetsk, an industrial hub of more than one million people, has seen a number of government offices seized in recent weeks.Donetsk, an industrial hub of more than one million people, has seen a number of government offices seized in recent weeks.
Eastern Ukraine has a large Russian-speaking population and was a stronghold for Mr Yanukovych before he was overthrown by protesters in February.
Russia then annexed the Crimean peninsula - part of Ukraine but with a Russian-speaking majority - in a move that provoked international outrage.
The crisis has plunged East-West relations to their lowest point since the Cold War.