Putin orders creation of new armed reserve as tension over Ukraine conflict mounts
Vladimir Putin has decreed that a new reserve armed force to be created, according to various reports.
The Russian president's order, which was received on Friday, comes amid growing international tensions around the country's conflict with Ukraine.
The nearly 5,000-strong force will receive salaries and regular training.
An order for the creation of a reserve force first came three years ago, but there wasn't sufficient funding for it to go ahead.
Putin has now called on the government to fund it from the Defense Ministry's budget, according to Press TV.
On Sunday, it was being reported by Reuters that both countries were accusing the other of breaking the peace deal signed five months ago by attacking residential areas.