Germany and NATO cautiously optimistic about Russian troop withdrawal

Ukraine says it sees no sign of Russian troop withdrawal as Moscow announced. NATO secretary general says withdrawal announcement could give rise to “cautious optimism.” Germany says Russia must demonstrate withdrawal in action.

Shortly before the German Chancellor arrived in Moscow, Kremlin officials announced that they would return some of the military units stationed on the Ukrainian borders to their barracks.

Before the start of the talks between the two heads of state, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov announced the withdrawal of part of Russian military forces from the Ukrainian borders and the implementation of "other exercises."

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

German Foreign Minister Annalena Berbock, while welcoming the news with cautious optimism, called on Russia to demonstrate the announced withdrawal in action.

Ms. Barbook said that any de-escalation measure could be a step “on the path to hope.”

Western countries even said yesterday that the number of Russian troops on the Ukrainian borders had increased. In the past, Russian officials have also acted contrary to their official statements.

The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry stated: "We will believe in a reduction in tensions when we see a retreat."

"There are signs from Moscow that diplomacy can continue," NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said of the Ukraine conflict.

Regarding the announcement of the withdrawal of part of Russian forces from NATO borders, the NATO Secretary General said: "This could be a reason for cautious optimism."

The Russian Ministry of Defense announced in a statement the end of the exercises on the Ukrainian borders and said in a statement that these forces will soon return to their barracks.

The Russian Defense Ministry had previously announced that soldiers were gathering their equipment to return to their bases.

Duma: Russia to recognize two rebel provinces

Meanwhile, the Russian State Duma has asked Vladimir Putin to recognize the two pro-Russian provinces of Donetsk and Luhansk. The speaker of the Duma made the request after a vote.

Recognition of these two provinces as part of Ukraine is a violation of the Minsk Agreement.

Source: DW