Russia has said it will begin removing its troops and military forces from the Ukrainian border. The move was announced by Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu.
A recent large build-up of military forces on the border had stoked fears that Russia may be planning to invade Ukraine, fears that the Russian state said were unwarranted. It was the largest build-up of forces since the annexation of Crimea in 2014.
The region has been under great strain over the past six years following the Ukrainian territories of Crimea and Donbass declaring independence from Ukraine in the aftermath of the over-throwing of the Russian-backed Ukrainian Prime Minister. The Ukrainian Prime Minister had been forced to flee after huge demonstrations and riots engulfed Kiev over a period of weeks.
The areas of Crimea and Donbass have huge Russian-speaking populations, many of whom regard themselves as Russian as opposed to Ukrainian.
After the areas declared independence, there was a large-scale military conflict between Ukraine and the separatists, whom the West and Ukraine claim were funded, armed and assisted by the Russian state. It is also claimed that Russian forces were active within the country.
Defence Minister, Sergei Shoigu, said of the troop withdrawal:
"I believe that the goals of the snap inspection have been fully achieved. The troops demonstrated the ability to reliably defend the country. In this regard, I have decided to complete the Southern and Western military district reviews."
As many as 100,000 Russian troops were at one point at the Ukrainian border.
Most experts do not believe Russia would openly attack Ukraine, but that the troop build-up was a show of force to the West, and a show of force to Russia's own population, many of whom are becoming angry at the economic situation under Putin's rule.
The news of the troop withdrawal caused the Russian Ruble to gain 1% against foreign currencies. Russian stocks and shares also rose 2%.
[h/t: The Moscow Times]
COMMENTS