DHAKA: Ukraine`s acting president has ordered a military operation against pro-Kremlin separatists in the east of the country, after the body of a local politician from his own party was found showing signs of torture.

"I demand the resumption of effective counter-terrorism measures to protect Ukrainian citizens in the east from terrorism," Oleksandr Turchinov said on Tuesday, according to a statement from his other office as parliamentary speaker.

Turchinov said that "brutally tortured" bodies had been found near the city of Slaviansk, which is in the hands of pro-Russian militants, reports the Al Jazeera.

One was that of Volodymyr Rybak, a member of Turchinov`s Batkivshchyna party, who had recently been abducted by "terrorists".

"These crimes are being carried out with the full support and indulgence of the Russian Federation," he said.

Turchinov`s comments came as the US deployed troops to Poland to begin a series of military exercises in four countries across eastern Europe.

Pentagon press secretary Rear Admiral John Kirby said the exercises would last about a month, and involve about 600 troops.

About 150 soldiers from the 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team based in Vicenza, Italy, will start the exercises on Wednesday in Poland. Similar exercises will be conducted in Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania and troops could arrive in those countries by Monday.

The exercises are part of an effort announced last week aimed at reassuring NATO allies of America`s commitment to the region`s defence.

BDST: 0901 HRS, APR 23, 2014