Ukraine 'preparing for combat' in face of Russian build-up

Ukraine's defence minister said Wednesday that Kiev was preparing itself for fresh combat operations in the face of alleged "increased activity" by Russia and pro-Moscow rebels in the war-torn east.

"The main task I see is to prepare for combat operations. We are doing this, we are readying our reserves," Stepan Poltorak said, adding that the situation in the conflict zone was "complicated but stable" for now.

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