Russian forces stationed near Ukraine’s borders have begun their withdrawal, the Kremlin said on Tuesday, citing “normal procedure” and condemning Western “hysteria” over an alleged invasion of that country by Moscow.

Russian presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters: “We have always said that after the completion of the exercise (…) the troops will return to their native garrison. That’s what happens there, it’s a normal process.

He added that Moscow would conduct other “exercises across Russia” in the future because “it is our right to conduct exercises on our territory, wherever we deem it appropriate”.

Peskov reaffirmed an “absolutely unprecedented campaign aimed at provoking tensions” by the West, and in particular the United States, which has repeatedly warned of an imminent invasion of Ukraine by Russia. “It’s the kind of frenzy that’s based on nothing,” he said.

Russia on Tuesday ordered the withdrawal of units deployed near the Ukrainian border to its garrisons, the first sign of relaxation, their presence feared against the backdrop of weeks of Russian-Western tensions for attacks against Ukraine.

With MK, (MAP)