Russia's defense minister on Thursday announced the withdrawal of most of the troops it has massed on its border with Ukraine in recent weeks, easing a potential crisis even as military threats against its former Soviet partner remain."I believe that the objectives of the surprise check have been fully achieved. The troops have demonstrated the ability to ensure reliable defense of the country," Sergei Shoigu said during an unannounced trip to visit the front-line troops, according to a translation of his remarks. Russia has maintained that the deployment to the border of 120,000 troops – according to Ukraine's estimate – has always served as a military exercise and a response to ongoing, massive NATO exercises elsewhere in Europe.
Russia's commanders will begin planning the withdrawal by April 23, to be completed by May 1, Shoigu said.
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