Ukrainian President Breaks Off Vacation Over Wildfire Threat

KIEV, Ukraine -- Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych had to break off his vacation and call an emergency session of the country's national security council amid a threat of wildfires.

A number of areas in eastern and central Ukraine are in high risk of wildfires due to a heat wave and severe draught.

At the meeting the president and the National Security and Defense Council are expected to focus on measures to "localize the possible crisis," the agency reported, citing the presidential press service.

The Ukrainian leader also ordered regional administration officials to put their summer vacations on hold.

This summer has been especially hot and dry in some parts of Europe, including Germany, Poland and the Netherlands. Russia was the hardest hit by the abnormal heat wave, which caused wildfires and the worst drought in decades.