Ukraine is training thousands of volunteers to join the National Guard in response to Russia's attempts to annex Crimea.
The mass training programme follows an admission by Ukraine's army chiefs that the military is in poor shape, outgunned and outnumbered by Russian forces.
A plan to call up 40, 000 reservists as well was approved by the Ukraine parliament on Monday
The country's interior minister says it's not about war, it's a question of protection.
(SOUNDBITE)(Russian) ARSEN AVAKOV, UKRAINIAN INTERIOR MINISTER, SAYING:
"In the next few days Ukraine will have a combat-ready unit which doesn't want to fight but will have a firm intention to protect the borders of Ukraine, to protect the borders of this country. Glory to Ukraine."
Japan's become the latest nation to impose sanctions after Russia on Tuesday said it recognised Crimea as a sovereign state following its referendum to split from Ukraine.
Tokyo announced the suspension of talks on
