Russia-Ukraine Conflict: Moscow Pulls Back Some Forces From Ukrainian Border

The Russian Defense Ministry said that preparations were on to return for several days and today the soldiers are returning.

Russian tanks leaving for Russia after joint exercises of the armed forces of Russia and Belarus. (Image: AFP)

New Delhi: Amidst growing fears of Russian attack on Ukraine, the Defense Ministry of Russia said that some troops stationed on the border of Ukraine are returning to their bases.

“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," news agency AFP quoted a Russian Defence Ministry spokesperson as saying. 

However, it is not clear from the Russian side how many troops are withdrawing from the Ukrainian border and how this will affect the number of millions of Russian soldiers stationed on the Ukrainian border.

It is believed to be the first attempt by Russia to de-escalate tensions amid the months-long Russia-Ukraine conflict.

Britain has given a mild response to this move of Russia. Britain's Foreign Minister Liz Truss said in an interview "We could be on the brink of war in Europe, which would have severe consequences not just for the people of Russia and Ukraine, but also for the broader security of Europe."

"There is still time for Vladimir Putin to step away from the brink. But there is only a limited amount of time for him to do that," Truss added.

Remarks by Putin's foreign and defense ministers on Monday have raised some hope of de-escalation of tensions. In a meeting with President Putin, Russian Defense Minister Sergey Shoygu said that "there is always a chance" of reaching an agreement with the West over Ukraine."

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At the same time, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said during his meeting with Putin on Monday that Russia is always ready to reach an agreement with Western countries on the issue of Ukraine.

He told Putin that exchanges with leaders in European capitals and Washington showed enough of an opening for progress on Russia’s goals to be worth pursuing.