Russia said it would withdraw its massive military buildup at the Ukrainian border, ordered to return to their bases by May 1. According to Defense Minister Shoygu, the military had completed exercises being conducted near the border.
The drills in Crimea, included more than 60 ships, more than 10,000 troops, roughly 200 aircraft and 1,200 military vehicles.
Shoygu said, “The troops have shown their defense capability and I decided to complete the drills in the South and Western military districts.”
The Russian buildup was the biggest since 2014, when Russia added Crimea and declared its support for pro-Russian separatists in eastern Ukraine.
On Tuesday, The Wall Street Journal reported that satellite images showed Russia had moved more warplanes, troops and equipment close the Ukrainian border than it had at first.
The U.S. declared sanctions on Russia, responding to Moscow’s actions toward Ukraine, as well as Russia’s espionage operations and election interference.
In respose, President Vladimir Putin warned Western nations that anyone who crosses a “red line” will be met with a harsh response.
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