Ukrainian President Poroshenko advises citizens not to panic

KIEV, Ukraine, Aug. 29 (UPI) -- Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko advised citizens not to panic in the face of increasing Russian aggression.

On Thursday, NATO confirmed an estimated 1,000 Russian troops had illegally entered Ukraine.

"Columns of heavy artillery, huge loads of arms and regular Russian servicemen came to the territory of Ukraine from Russia through the uncontrolled border area" to resupply separatists in eastern Ukraine, the president said Friday ahead of a meeting with the National Security and Defense Council.

"The situation is certainly extremely difficult and nobody is going to simplify it. Still, it is controlled enough for us to refrain from panic, keep a cold mind, a common sense and a hard math."

Noting support from strategic partners and continuing consultations between Ukrainian and Russian counterparts, Poroshenko optimistically asserted, "I am confident that joint and coordinated efforts of the entire world will lead to deescalation of the situation in Ukraine."

The president added that the Anti-Terrorist Operation is ongoing and should conclude soon; the "defense line is now in the Donbas, not in the West, for our Ukrainian army formed a solid defense wall."

To further bolster the armed forces, the NSDC has authorized a reinstatement of the draft, effective this fall.