US Wants 'Firm evidence' of Russia Withdrawal from Ukraine Border

US Wants 'Firm evidence' of Russia Withdrawal from Ukraine Border

The United States Monday said it needed “firm evidence” that Russia was withdrawing its forces from the borders of Ukraine, following President Vladimir Putin’s order for his forces to pull back.

A senior US official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said that such a move would be welcome if it occurred, but added that so far there was no evidence that a pull back was taking place.

Russia said that it had ordered the end of military exercises near its border with Ukraine, days ahead of a crucial presidential vote aimed at bringing the country out of crisis. 

In a move that could ease tensions, Putin’s office said he had ordered thousands of Russian troops deployed in border regions to return to barracks after the end of spring exercises.

The US official insisted that the troops had never been conducting “exercises” near the border.




Earlier, NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen said he had no evidence that Russian troops were withdrawing from border positions.

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