Lagatar24 Desk
Kyiv, Feb 15: After a build-up of Moscow’s army near Ukraine’s borders sparked fears of an invasion, Russia announced on Tuesday that some forces stationed near the Ukrainian border were beginning to return to their barracks.
“Units of the Southern and Western military districts, having completed their tasks, have already begun loading onto rail and road transport and today they will begin moving to their military garrisons,” said a defence ministry spokesman.
Russian news outlets reported the statements ahead of a planned meeting between German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Russian President Vladimir Putin to ease tensions over Ukraine.
A build-up of 100,000 Russian troops around the former Soviet republic prompted European leaders and the United States to threaten Russia with severe economic sanctions if it worsens the separatist crisis in Ukraine by deploying troops in.
Tensions have been heightened by Russian military drills, which are taking place near Ukraine and in Belarus, where the US believes 30,000 troops are taking part in operations that will last through February 20.
Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu indicated during a meeting with Putin earlier this week that some Russian war drills would be wrapping up soon.
Meanwhile, Ukraine’s defence minister said on Monday that he had spoken with his Belarusian counterpart and received assurances there was no threat to Kyiv from Belarusian territory.
