PARIS (dpa-AFX) – France reacted cautiously positively to the announced withdrawal of Russian forces from the border area with Ukraine. This information is currently being checked, said government spokesman Gabriel Attal on Tuesday in Paris. If the withdrawal is confirmed, it would be a good thing and a positive sign of the de-escalation that President Emmanuel Macron wants to achieve. Another exchange between the heads of state involved in the diplomatic efforts is planned for the next few hours. Macron canceled his participation in another appointment in Paris.
If the troop movement is actually confirmed, it would be a signal that France welcomes, it said from the Élysée Palace. The diplomatic route is considered possible. But don’t be naive and stay extremely vigilant.
Russia had previously announced that after maneuvers, troops had begun to be withdrawn from the south and west of the country. The first soldiers should return to their permanent bases as early as Tuesday, Defense Ministry spokesman Igor Konashenkov said in Moscow. In addition, the loading of military technology had started./evs/DP/ngu