Russia ordered its top army command Thursday to begin returning troops to their permanent bases inside the country after a "successful snap inspection" of forces in its south and west, near the border with Ukraine, the RIA Russian news agency reported.
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"I believe the objectives of the snap inspection have been fully achieved. The troops have demonstrated their ability to provide a credible defense for the country," Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu was quoted as saying. "In this regard, I have decided to complete the inspections in the southern and western military districts."
He said the forces would return to their bases by May 1.
It was unclear if the rebasing order covered all of the forces involved in that buildup. A top European Union diplomat said on Monday that Russia has massed some 100,000 troops near the border.
