Russia announces withdrawal of troops from Ukainian border
by Karen Faulkner, Worthy News Correspondent
(Worthy News) – Russia announced Thursday that thousands of troops deployed to its border with Ukraine will be withdrawn by May 1, Axios reports. Although Russia had said it was conducting military exercises at the border, the recent massive build-up of troops and military equipment, including fighter planes, had raised fears of an imminent Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Announcing the withdrawal of troops from the Ukrainian border, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said the aims of Russia’s military exercises had “been fully achieved” and that soldiers had “demonstrated the ability to ensure reliable defense of the country,” Axios said.
The build-up of Russian military power in the area had included 10,000 troops, some 200 warplanes, and around 1,200 military vehicles, Axios reported.
In a tweet responding to the Russian announcement, Ukraine President Volodymr Zelensky said: “The reduction of troops on our border proportionally reduces tension. Ukraine is always vigilant, yet welcomes any steps to decrease the military presence and deescalate the situation in Donbas. Ukraine seeks peace. Grateful to international partners for their support.”
US President Joe Biden had told Russian President Vladimir Putin to de-escalate the border situation but refrained from sending warships to the Black Sea. According to Axios, Biden made it clear the US does not intend to go to war over Ukraine.
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