Ukraine cannot give up conscription amid Russian aggression, and in case of "serious escalation on the front, new mobilization will be announced immediately," Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council Oleksandr Turchynov has said.

"The need for trained reserves is too big and critical for the survival of the state," Turchynov said in an article titled "The National Security of Ukraine: Challenges and Priorities," published in the Holos Ukrainy parliamentary newspaper on Wednesday.

The NSDC Secretary also mentioned achievements in the past two years. "In fact, the Armed Forces of Ukraine have been restored from the ruins. Gradual professionalization of our army is under way. In the seven months of 2016 alone, the number of troops who serve in the army under contract increased by almost 40%. As early as in the second half of 2016, all the mobilized soldiers should return home. But in case of serious escalation on the front, new mobilization will be announced immediately," he said.