Ukraine's President Petro Poroshenko
(VOVworld) - Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko signed a decree Wednesday to call up at least 50,000 military reservists as fighting in Ukraine’s eastern regions intensifies. He told regional officials his intent is to strengthen the country's defense force. Fighting in the Donetsk and Lugansk regions has escalated in recent days, causing heavy casualties.

The new round of military mobilization will be completed in three stages this year, with the first round to begin on Jan. 20. The decree is expected to reach the floor of parliament Thursday. Those eligible are men and women between 25 and 50 years of age.