After the Russian invasion: Selenskyj orders general mobilization in Ukraine

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Police officers in Kiev after a Russian attack

Photo: Emilio Morenatti/AP

After Russian troops invaded eastern Ukraine, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyj ordered a general mobilization.

The head of state signed a corresponding decree because of Russia's "military aggression," reported the Unian agency, citing the presidential office in Kiev.

The order is valid for 90 days and provides for the drafting of conscripts and reservists.

Selenskyj had previously ordered a partial mobilization of reservists.

"We have to operationally replenish the army and other military formations," he justified his decision.

There will also be military exercises in the territorial units.

The 44-year-old did not say how many men will be affected.

According to Ukrainian authorities, male citizens between the ages of 18 and 60 are also not allowed to leave the country.

They will not be allowed to cross the national border, said the head of the Ukrainian customs authority in Lviv, Danil Menshikov, on Facebook on Thursday evening (local time).

He asked people not to panic and not try to cross the border on their own.

Russia launched a full-scale attack on Ukraine Thursday morning, invading from multiple directions.

Within a few hours, the Russian armed forces advanced to the greater Kiev area.

According to Ukrainian sources, Russian troops captured a military airfield near the capital and the Chernobyl nuclear reactor after fierce fighting.

According to Ukrainian sources, dozens of people were killed, including numerous civilians.

aar/dpa/AFP