Ukrainian separatist leader wants to raise '100,000-strong army' to push back govt troops

Pro-Russia separatist leader Alexander Zakharchenko has reportedly said that the rebels are planning to build a 100,000-strong army as clashes with Ukrainian troops intensified in the eastern part of the country after the collapse of the "fragile" Minsk truce agreement.

Zakharchenko, the self-proclaimed head of Donetsk People's Republic, said that the mobilisation was "urgent" and that the call-up is likely to take place in the next 10 days, reported the BBC.

He explained that the 100,000-strong army would comprise the joint army of Donetsk and Luhansk People's Republics. The troops would receive a month's training and would form at least five additional brigades including, three motorised rifle brigades, one artillery brigade and one tank brigade.

Zakharchenko said that the army would ensure that the region will be able to withstand any attack, and in case of success, will be able to develop a counter-attack.

However, the separatists' ability to raise a large army is unclear.

Meanwhile, dozens of people, including civilians, were killed in clashes over the weekend.