In a recent move, the Kremlin has urged Russian citizens to join the fight in Ukraine, while President Vladimir Putin vowed to move nuclear weapons as a response to the West's increasing military support for Ukraine. Moscow said it was planning to move atomic weapons to Belarus.
The call for action came amid ongoing tensions between Russia and Ukraine over the annexation of Crimea and the conflict in eastern Ukraine. The situation escalated when Russia massed troops along its border with Ukraine earlier this year.
According to reports, advertisements have been plastered on billboards across Russia urging citizens to join the fight in eastern Ukraine against what they describe as "Ukrainian nationalists" who are allegedly attacking ethnic Russians.
Furthermore, cold calls have been made by pro-Kremlin groups urging people to get involved. Meanwhile, cash incentives have also been offered for those willing to volunteer.
The developments come after weeks of escalating tension between Moscow and Kiev. Western countries have expressed concerns about Russia's military buildup near its borders with Ukraine and called on Moscow not to escalate tensions further.
In response, Moscow has accused Western countries of interfering in its internal affairs and supporting Ukrainian nationalists who it says are threatening ethnic Russians living in eastern Ukraine.
President Putin recently warned that Russia would take "adequate measures" if Western countries continued their support for Kiev. He also stated that nuclear weapons could be moved into Belarus if necessary.
While there is no immediate threat of war breaking out between Russia and Ukraine, tensions remain high with both sides accusing each other of aggression.