Russia signals troop pullback from Ukraine border after exercises
ABC News
Russia’s military has said some troops massed near Ukraine will begin returning to base on Tuesday following the completion of what it called “exercises."
KYIV, Ukraine -- Russia’s military has said some troops massed near Ukraine will begin returning to base on Tuesday following the completion of what it called “exercises," in a potential sign of de-escalation amid fears of a possible Russian invasion.
Russia’s Ministry of Defense said units from its southern and western military districts, which have deployed thousands of troops close to Ukraine’s border, had begun returning to barracks. Video released by the military showed what it said was tanks pulling back.
A spokesman for Russia’s southern military district said its servicemen had also begun leaving Crimea, where Russia has built up a large force.
Ukrainian officials and independent experts cautioned that it was still to be seen whether the Russian forces really leave and how many of them do so. Major Russian exercises are still continuing in neighboring Belarus to the north of Ukraine and in the Black Sea.
