Russia says it is withdrawing some of its troops from the border region with Ukraine, following a build-up that fueled fears of an invasion. According to the military ministry, large-scale training continued, but some forces returned to their bases. Ukraine has warned that it will not believe the de-escalation until it sees proof of the pullout, stating that “until we see the withdrawal, we will believe the de-escalation.”
Over 100,000 Russian troops have gathered on the Ukrainian border. Russia has consistently denied plotting an assault. The build-up has resulted in increasingly dire threats, with the US declaring that an invasion might happen at any time. Russia has sought assurances that Ukraine will not be admitted to Nato, a move that the security group has rejected.
Russian Defence Ministry released a statement on the removal of troops from Ukraine
Russia’s defense ministry stated in a statement that it was removing some troops from military regions bordering Ukraine. “A series of combat training exercises, including drills, was successfully performed,” Defense Ministry spokesperson Igor Konashenkov said. Certain drills continue, including a massive joint Russia-Belarus practice scheduled to conclude on 20 February.
According to a British government source, the government is waiting to see the scale of the withdrawal, adding that it must have an effect on the ability to invade in order to be meaningful. However, the announcement enabled Ukraine and Russia to declare victory in the standoff. Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Dymytro Kuleba stated that “along with our partners, we have successfully deterred Russia from further escalation.” Maria Zakharova, a spokeswoman for Russia’s foreign ministry, said the day “would be remembered as the day when western war propaganda failed miserably. They have been humiliated and annihilated without firing a single shot.”
Diplomatic efforts to avert a crisis continue on Tuesday, with Germany’s Chancellor Olaf Scholz scheduled to meet with Russia’s President Vladimir Putin. He is anticipated to reiterate his warning that if Russia invades Ukraine, it would face severe penalties. Mr. Scholz has come under fire for his handling of the tensions. He is unlikely to abandon the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline, which will connect Russia to Western Europe, despite US Vice President Joe Biden’s statement that the project will be halted if Russia invades.