Tensions in Ukraine ratcheted up a notch Friday as the pro-Russian separatist leader of the self-proclaimed Donetsk People’s Republic (DPR) in eastern Ukraine’s conflicted Donbass region said the situation there was “nearing large-scale war,” adding he had ordered a general military mobilization and evacuation of civilians. DPR head Denis Pushilin told the state-owned Russian-language news channel Rossiya-24 on Friday that he believes war is about to break out in Donbass, according to Russian news agency Tass. “Regrettably, yes,” Pushilin said when asked if he believes the situation in the region is heading for “large-scale war.” Pushilin, along with the head of the self-proclaimed Lugansk People’s Republic, Leonid Pasechnik, have both ordered a general mobilization in the respective conflict zones, Tass reported. The mobilization orders call on local militia and military units to be in full battle readiness, while prohibiting men aged 18 to 55 from leaving the region. “I’m urging fellow …