NATO Head Urges Russia to Pull Back Troops From Ukraine

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said Russia has launched a "serious" military buildup both inside Ukraine and along its shared border, deploying troops and sophisticated equipment, including air defense systems.

Speaking Tuesday in Brussels, Stoltenberg urged Moscow to pull back its troops and "contribute to a peaceful settlement" in Ukraine, where pro-Russian separatists have been fighting Ukrainian forces in the country's east.

Ukraine's military said Tuesday at least five soldiers were killed and eight wounded in fighting since Sunday.

Ukraine readies for possible attack

Following reports of Russian military reinforcements crossing its border, Ukraine's military has beefed up its defenses just a few miles from rebel-held territory in the Luhansk region.

Ukraine's President Petro Poroshenko said Monday in an interview with the daily German daily Bild that the country is ready for total war.

Private Sergai Eava with the 39th battalion said the Ukraine soldiers have to be prepared. We received information that our guys were being shelled yesterday with artillery and grads [rockets], Eava said.

The captain and commander of a new checkpoint in the Luhansk region, who asked to be called Andriy, said they have plenty of ammunition but could use more men.

The post comes under frequent rebel fire and was hit by a grad rocket the day before, although no one was injured.

Senior Mortar Gunner Vayacheslav said they are ready to fight off an assault.

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NATO Head Urges Russia to Pull Back Troops From Ukraine