Russia defence minister orders troops away from Ukraine border - report

Despite the announcement, the United States and NATO said that they saw no sign of pullback.

13:52 20 May 2014

Following military exercises near the border with Ukraine, Russia’s defence minister has ordered troops to return to their permanent bases, fulfilling an order from President Vladimir Putin, as reported by Interfax news agency on Tuesday. Despite the report, the United States and NATO said that they saw no sign of pull back. 

 

A defence ministry spokesman declined immediate comment.

 

Russia has thousands of troops near the border where pro-Russian separatists have declared independent states. However, Kiev and its Western allies fear that they could be used to invade in support of the rebels.