Ukraine is training thousands of volunteers to join the National Guard in response to Russia's attempts to annex Crimea.<br/> <br />The mass training programme follows an admission by Ukraine's army chiefs that the military is in poor shape, outgunned and outnumbered by Russian forces.<br/> <br />A plan to call up 40, 000 reservists as well was approved by the Ukraine parliament on Monday<br/> <br />The country's interior minister says it's not about war, it's a question of protection.<br/> <br />(SOUNDBITE)(Russian) ARSEN AVAKOV, UKRAINIAN INTERIOR MINISTER, SAYING:<br/> <br />"In the next few days Ukraine will have a combat-ready unit which doesn't want to fight but will have a firm intention to protect the borders of Ukraine, to protect the borders of this country. Glory to Ukraine."<br/> <br />Japan's become the latest nation to impose sanctions after Russia on Tuesday said it recognised Crimea as a sovereign state following its referendum to split from Ukraine.<br/> <br />Tokyo announced the suspension of talks on
