Russia to withdraw troops from the Ukrainian border
The deployment of some 100,000 Russian troops, according to the EU and the Ukrainian government, near the Ukrainian border caused tensions to escalate between the two countries. Other European states also showed their support for Kiev and urged Putin to withdraw, further straining ties between Brussels and Moscow. After a worrying few weeks, Sergei Shoigu, Russia's defence minister, has ordered the return of several military units to their bases. Shoigu announced that the objectives had been achieved. "The troops have demonstrated their ability to provide a credible defence for the country", he said. All units are expected to return to their bases by 1 May.
Volodymyr Zelensky, the Ukrainian president, has welcomed the Russian decision. "The reduction of troops on our border proportionally reduces tension," he tweeted. He also assured that "Ukraine seeks peace" and thanked its allies for their help. "Grateful to international partners for their support", he added. A few days ago, Zelensky proposed to Putin a meeting in the conflict zone, which has not seen such a concentration of troops since the 2014 war. Despite Russia's recent announcement, the Ukrainian president has warned that "Ukraine is always vigilant".
NATO has taken a similar stance to Zelensky. It sees the withdrawal as an important step towards reversing the escalation, but reports that it will remain vigilant. In recent weeks, the Alliance has expressed its full support for the Ukrainian government, while condemning the Russian military operation. The Baltic countries, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, have also shown their support for Kiev.
The European Union has been a key ally for Ukraine during this crisis. Last weekend, Zelensky met with Emmanuel Macron and Angela Merkel to discuss the escalation and seek EU support. Both European leaders agreed to cooperate to put an end to this grave situation. They demanded Russian withdrawal from the area and defended Ukraine's territorial integrity. Zelensky also has allies on the other side of the Atlantic; Joe Biden conveyed his support in a phone call during the Russian operation. "Ukraine is grateful for U.S. support at various levels", the Ukrainian president said on Twitter. It is worth noting that relations with Putin have been particularly strained since Joe Biden took office.
After weeks of alluding to and criticising the Russian operation, Putin has spoken out. The Russian president has warned the West that he will regret any provocation. Putin has assured that the Kremlin will respond "asymmetrically, swiftly and harshly" if any state decides to cross "red lines". Putin has been very consistent in his response to Western criticism. Even when Biden called him a "murderer", the Russian leader was not so blunt. "Organisers of any provocations that threaten our core security interests will regret what they have done like they've never regretted anything for a long time". The president also took the opportunity to accuse the West of organising a coup d'état in Belarus against Alexander Lukashenko. The Russian military deployment near the Ukrainian border was in response to NATO military threats, according to Moscow.
The Russian withdrawal provides a respite in the troubled region and eases tensions in the standoff between Moscow and Kiev. Approximately 14,000 people have died since the 2014 war. Nevertheless, this operation has served Russia as a showcase for its military capabilities, sending a clear message to Europe and the United States.
