Germany and NATO Cautiously Optimistic About Russian Military Withdrawal

Ukraine says it sees no signs of the Russian military withdrawal that Moscow announced. NATO’s secretary general said the announcement of withdrawal could create “cautious optimism.” Germany says Russia must demonstrate the withdrawal in practice.

Shortly before Germany’s chancellor entered Moscow, Kremlin officials announced they would return some military units deployed on Ukraine’s borders to barracks.

Dmitry Peskov, spokesman for the Kremlin, announced the withdrawal of some Russian military forces from Ukraine’s borders before the start of talks between the two countries’ leaders, while also announcing the conduct of “other exercises.”

Independent sources have not yet confirmed the withdrawal of Russian forces from Ukraine’s border, and it is unclear how many of the more than 100,000 Russian soldiers will return to their bases.

Annalena Baerbock, Germany’s foreign minister, while welcoming the news and expressing cautious optimism, called on Russia to demonstrate the announced withdrawal in practice.

Ms. Baerbock said any de-escalatory measure could be a step “in the direction of hope.”

Western countries had even said yesterday that the number of Russian soldiers on Ukraine’s borders has increased. In the past, Russian officials have also acted contrary to their official statements.

Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry stated: “We will believe in de-escalation when we see a withdrawal.

Jens Stoltenberg, NATO’s secretary general, said regarding the Ukraine conflict: “Signs are being seen from Moscow that diplomacy can continue.”

NATO’s secretary general, regarding the announcement of the withdrawal of some Russian forces from NATO’s borders, said: “This could be grounds for cautious optimism.”

Russia’s Defense Ministry announced in a statement the end of exercises on Ukraine’s borders and said in a statement that these forces will soon return to barracks.

Russia’s Defense Ministry had previously announced that soldiers were collecting their equipment for return to their bases.

Duma: Russia Should Recognize Two Separatist Regions

Meanwhile, Russia’s State Duma has asked Vladimir Putin to recognize the two pro-Russian regions of Donetsk and Luhansk. The chairman of the Duma made this request after a vote.

Recognizing these two regions belonging to Ukraine would be considered a violation of the Minsk Agreement.

Source: DW