* NATO chief says room for 'cautious optimism' around Ukraine after Russia said it is withdrawing some troops
* Kiev remains skeptical, with the defence minister warning: 'Don't believe what you hear, believe what you see'
* Russian announcement came hours after Washington warned tanks were moving into final attack positions * Observers and those on the ground say they have not seen any evidence yet of Russian forces moving away
* Olaf Scholz is in Moscow for face-to-face talks with Putin, the latest leader to try and de-escalate the crisis
Russia's announcement that it will withdraw some of its troops from the Ukrainian border was welcomed with cautious optimism by NATO and the West today - with observers warning that the apparent de-escalation is yet to be confirmed by movements on the ground.
Jens Stoltenburg, NATO chief executive, said there is room for 'cautious optimism' after weeks of escalating tensions - amid signs from Russia that the diplomatic route to ending the crisis has not yet been closed off.
But he also warned that Putin still maintains a large military presence near Ukraine, has the ability to attack at short notice, and that there has been no evidence yet of a drawn-down of forces - despite Moscow claiming some units are leaving after training exercises.
Read more ....
WNU Editor: This is the reaction from Ukraine .... Kyiv starts to breathe a little easier as Russian troops pull back (The Guardian). I say it is too soon to determine what is happening .... Russia's Massive Military Buildup Near Ukraine Remains In Place Despite Withdrawal Claims (Updated) (Warzone/The Drive).
Russia Announces A Partial Withdrawal Of Troops Near The Ukraine
Crimea drills over, troops returning to permanent bases -- TASS
Russia Says Pulling Back Some Forces from Ukraine Border -- Moscow Times/AFP
Russia says some troops returning to base from Ukraine border -- ABC News
Russia says it is withdrawing troops from Ukraine border but NATO and Ukraine remain sceptical -- ABC News Australia
Russia says it is pulling back some of its troops from the Ukrainian border -- Business
Putin confirms "partial withdrawal" of troops but signals threat not over -- Axios
Ukraine crisis: Scepticism over Russian claim that troops are withdrawing from border Access to the comments -- Euronews
West has doubts over Russian troop withdrawal from Ukraine border -- RT
Russia says it's moving some troops to their bases. What does this mean? -- Nathan Hodge, CNN
from War News Updates https://ift.tt/cQOHdUe
via IFTTT
Comments
Post a Comment