NATO chief says it appears Russia is ‘continuing the military buildup’

The head of NATO said on Wednesday that it appears that Russia is “continuing the military buildup” near Ukraine despite claims from Moscow and footage that the Kremlin says shows it is drawing back forces.

“We have heard signs from Moscow about readiness to continue diplomatic efforts, but so far we have not seen any de-escalation on the ground. On the contrary, it appears that Russia continues the military buildup,” NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said, according to CNN. 

“We will continue to convey a very clear message to Russia that we are ready to sit down and discuss with them, but at the same time we are prepared for the worst.”

Russia’s defense ministry released footage on Wednesday that it said showed military vehicles and tanks departing from Crimea, which was annexed by Russia in 2014, Reuters reported.

“Combat equipment and military personnel will be delivered by military trains to the units’ permanent deployment points,” the Kremlin said, according to the news service. “Upon arrival, the equipment will be serviced and prepared for carrying out the next phase of combat training.”

President Biden on Tuesday said that U.S. officials had “not yet verified” that some Russian military forces were returning to their bases despite claims from Moscow earlier in the day. Biden said that 150,000 Russian troops had been amassed near Ukraine.

“The Russian defense minister reported today that some military units are leaving their positions near Ukraine. That would be good, but we have not yet verified that. We have not yet verified the Russian military units are returning to their home bases,” he said.

“Indeed, our analysts indicate they remain very much in a threatening position. And the fact remains right now Russia has 150,000 troops encircling Ukraine. … An invasion remains distinctly possible,” the president added. “That’s why I’ve asked several times that all Americans in Ukraine leave now, before it is too late to leave safely.”