Russia begins partial withdrawal from Ukrainian border

Russia’s Ministry of Defense reported on April 23 that
its troops had begun “to return to the points of permanent deployment.”
pravda.com.ua quotes Interfax Russia as writing. “At this time, military units
and formations are marching on railway loading stations and airfields, loading
on landing ships, railway platforms and military transport aircraft.”
However, heavy equipment such as tanks will remain.

The move comes after the surprise announcement by
Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu on April 22 that the goals of the
military exercise at the Ukrainian border had been successfully completed.

According to the Russian Defense Ministry, the
exercises involved over 10,000 troops. However, EU High Representative for Foreign
Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell stated on April 19, that there were
over 100,000 Russian troops on the border. Refrl.org quotes an unidentified
NATO official in Brussels as saying that “any steps toward de-escalation by
Russia would be important and well overdue”, and that NATO “remains vigilant”.

James Hydzik: While the
number of troops departing is unknown, the fact that the equipment is still in
place is salient. Tensions can be raised and lowered very quickly. Tension is
currently lowering; NATO will easily confirm large-scale movements back to
bases. But the heavy lifting has literally been done already, and it brings to
mind the old American adage seen on bumper stickers on cars: “I’m not swerving,
I’m reloading.”