On Wednesday, NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg refuted Moscow’s claims that it was withdrawing troops from the Ukrainian border, saying he had seen no evidence of such operations.
“We have not seen any withdrawal of Russian forces. That contradicts the message of real diplomatic efforts. They have increased the number of troops and more troops are on their way. So far, there is no de-escalation,” Stoltenberg told the media.
The secretary-remarks general’s follow Russian President Vladimir Putin’s confirmation on Tuesday that Moscow would begin a partial force withdrawal from training locations bordering Ukraine.
Following the Kremlin’s words, the US and NATO have expressed cautious optimism, but Stoltenberg warned on Wednesday that Russia is still capable of launching a full-fledged invasion of Ukraine without notice.
Over the previous six months, Russia has gathered around 150,000 troops along its southwest border and sent troops into friendly Belarus, causing widespread worry.
Despite Russia’s repeated claims that it has no plans to invade Ukraine, Western intelligence continues to be concerned that it may be planning an attack in the near term.
The secretary-remarks general’s follow Russian President Vladimir Putin’s confirmation on Tuesday that Moscow would begin a partial force withdrawal from training locations bordering Ukraine.
Following the Kremlin’s words, the US and NATO have expressed cautious optimism, but Stoltenberg warned on Wednesday that Russia is still capable of launching a full-fledged invasion of Ukraine without notice.
Over the previous six months, Russia has gathered around 150,000 troops along its southwest border and sent troops into friendly Belarus, causing widespread worry.
Despite Russia’s repeated claims that it has no plans to invade Ukraine, Western intelligence continues to be concerned that it may be planning an attack in the nearish term.
The United States and NATO have encouraged Russia to engage in diplomatic discussions.
