Ukraine, the army (illustration)
Ukraine, the army (illustration)Reuters

BBC News reports Sunday that Ukraine has called up its reservists to defend against neighboring Russia. 

Secretary of the National Security and Defense of Ukraine Andriy Parubiy stated Sunday that the reservists will be trained immediately to defend the embattled country's borders.

"It is essential to train all combat forces to full readiness," Parubiy urged. "We have already asked the Foreign Ministry to seek help from the United States and Britain to secure our country."

The news is the latest development in the crisis in Crimea, which exploded over the weekend after 6,000 Russian troops invaded an airport in the Russian-speaking Ukrainian province.

Acting Ukrainian President Olexander Turchynov had already placed Ukrainian security and armed forces on "high alert" Saturday night, and increased security at nuclear power plants, airports and other strategic infrastructure to defend against further invasion from Russian troops. Ukrainian officials have now begun discussing the security situation with foreign powers as well, citing concerns for "nuclear assists," according to the British Telegraph

​Reports surfaced early Sunday that even more Russian troops are on their way to Crimea, primarily to Simferopol, according to Walla! News.  

Associated Press journalists reported later Sunday a sighting of 12 military trucks carrying troops - presumably Russian - a Tiger vehicle armed with a machine gun and also two ambulances, on the road from the Crimean base for the Russian Navy in Sevestapol to Simferopol.

More to follow.