Amid Russian invasion threat, Ukrainian civilians learn fighting tactics

Ukrainian civilians took part in a military exercise conducted by veterans of the Ukrainian National Guard Azov battalion in Kyiv. Credit: Reuters Photo

The training was carried out amid a potential Russian invasion threat. Credit: Reuters Photo

Troops in winter camouflage trained the locals and taught them some key lessons in safeguarding themselves. Credit: Reuters Photo

With civilians around, the troops conducted exercises for hours and the situation was as close to actual urban warfare as possible. Credit: Reuters Photo

Forces also staged evacuations and fought fires caused during clashes. Credit: Reuters Photo

Meanwhile, the National Guard troops deployed in Pripyat are preparing themselves for the threat from ununiformed infiltrators who might seize buildings and stir unrest across the country. Credit: Reuters Photo

Some Western leaders insist the threat from Russia's massed forces is real and urgent -- but authorities in Kyiv have cautioned against stirring

People take part in a military exercise for civilians conducted by veterans of the Ukrainian National Guard Azov battalion, amid threat of Russian invasion, in Kyiv, Ukraine. Credit: Reuters Photo

Ukraine's interior minister Denys Monastyrskiy said that due to the spike in tensions security had been stepped up around all nuclear reactors -- including the Chernobyl site, now covered by a mammoth protective sarcophagus. Credit: Reuters Photo