Ukrainian armed forces on alert; Kiev to hold military drills May 1

KIEV, Ukraine, April 30 (UPI) -- Ukrainian acting President Oleksandr Turchynov announced Wednesday that Ukrainian armed forces have been put on full alert in response to continued Russian aggression toward Ukraine.

Speaking at a meeting with the heads of regional administrations, the Ukrainian president said, "I am once again addressing the real danger of the start of a continental war against Ukraine by the Russian Federation. Our armed forces have been put on full combat alert."

The Kiev City State Administration press office announced that military drills will be held in the capital on Thursday, and issued the following notice:

"Attention residents and guests of the capital! Special tactical exercises will be held in Kyiv on the night of April 30 to May 1. As part of the exercises it is envisaged that columns of military vehicles will move in the city. Please note that the deployment of personnel and machinery will be held in the center of the city."

On Monday, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu offered his assurances to U.S. Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel that Russia would not invade Ukraine.