Russia's Putin places troops on 'full combat alert'

Just a day after Ukraine's new president, Petro Poroshenko, declared a week-long, unilateral ceasefire with pro-Russia militants, Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered his own troops onto "full combat alert," reports NPR.

The Russian order does not send troops into action, but rather assesses how quickly they are able to mobilize, then sends them to training ranges for military exercises. Still, the move comes as Western powers warn Moscow to stop sending weapons into Ukraine, which are reportedly being used by separatist fighters. And Russia did not take kindly to Ukraine's cease-fire announcement, notes The New York Times:

"This is not an invitation to peace and negotiations, but an ultimatum for the militias of southeast Ukraine to surrender," the Kremlin said.

Subscribe to The Week

Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

SUBSCRIBE & SAVE

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters

From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.

From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.

Sign up