Russian president Vladimir Putin has reportedly ordered an immediate test of combat readiness of troops in central and western Russia. The move comes amid fears of increasing separatist threat in Ukraine between pro-Russian and pro-European sides. Russia's provocative move comes as Ukraine's interim leadership tries to win the confidence of its divided and economically ravaged nation with the creation of a new unity government. 

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Following the order for military tests, the Russian foreign ministry made a statement condemning the extremists who are imposing their will in Ukraine and contributing to the elevation of religious tensions. Priests and property belonging to the Moscow-based Russian Orthodox church had been threatened, the statement said, adding that these tension could cause "an even bigger schism in Ukrainian society."

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Read more at The Telegraph.

 

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