The Russian Defence Ministry says troops deployed near the Ukrainian border have begun to return to their permanent bases.
The Kremlin, which has deployed tens of thousands of troops near the Ukrainian border, causing weeks of tensions with the West, began withdrawing troops after the end of drills in the region.
“We must remember that this step will not end the current escalation or the conflict between Ukraine and Russia in general,” Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said.
Kuleba asked NATO for help last week in response to growing Russian pressure in the region.
211216-N-QI061-1222 NAVAL STATION MAYPORT, Fla. (December 16, 2021) An MQ-4C Triton Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS), assigned to Unmanned Patrol Squadron 19 (VUP-19), sits on the flight line at Naval Station Mayport, Florida, Dec. 16, 2021. VUP-19, the Navy’s first Triton squadron, will continue to maintain and operate the aircraft off the East Coast to further develop the concept of operations and refine tactics, techniques, and procedures. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Nathan T. Beard/ Released)