Ukraine-Russia Stand-Off: Martial law, reservists on standby signal Ukraine's stance

World
Europe

02:11

Kiev says Moscow is massing air, sea and land forces around Ukraine. And, Ukraine is calling on NATO to aid against potential Russian aggression. Parts of Ukraine are under martial law and reserve soldiers are preparing to mobilize. CGTN's Stephanie Freid reports.

MYROSLOV HAI UKRAINIAN RESERVIST "If we lose now, if I don't go into the army, my son will be in occupation or in immigration."

Myroslov Hai has been serving in Ukraine's military for three years.

With the current standoff between Ukraine and Russia, he's getting ready for duty just in case.

Ukraine's government says it isn't mobilizing troops but with the recent implementation of martial law, reservists are on standby.

The situation heated up when Russia seized control of three Ukrainian naval vessels in international waters and arrested 24 crew members.

In response, Ukraine implemented martial law and is barring Russian men aged 16 to 60 from entering the country except for "humanitarian" cases.

Ukraine's leaders anticipate a military escalation in the dispute so they're asking NATO member states to step in.

YURIY HUSYEV FORMER UKRAINIAN DEPUTY DEFENSE MINISTER "Special forces of the Russian Federation attacked Ukrainian military ships in the Sea of Azov and Kerch Strait, and we recognize it as an act of aggression. As an act of war."

NATO members aren't responding to Ukraine calls for them to put vessels in the water of the Azov Sea. The Kremlin denies act of aggression, saying the Russian navy was provoked into seizing Ukrainian crew members and vessels.

Myroslov Hai is watching developments but he doesn't delve into details, his job, he says, is to get ready and respond to the call of duty when or if it comes. Stephanie Freid, CGTN, Kiev, Ukraine.