Russia announces end to massive troop buildup near Ukraine

[lamp_shade]

Source: Axios

Russia's defense minister said Thursday that massive military exercises near the border with Ukraine had been completed, and that he had ordered troops to return to their permanent bases by May 1, according to state media.

Why it matters: Tens of thousands of troops and heavy military equipment had been moved to the border of eastern Ukraine and the annexed territory of Crimea over the last month, sparking fears of a potential Russian invasion.

Read more: https://www.axios.com/russia-end-troop-buildup-ukraine-border-crimea-71130445-3db1-4ad0-b988-4a6671369aa1.html

[jpak]

1. Why?

[Turbineguy]

11. Brinkmanship

[Beastly Boy]

23. Tucker Carlson's confidential sources report that in exchange for throwing Ukraine under the bus,

Putin offered Hunter a hotel in Moscow, but Joe insisted on a hotel AND a casino. Secret negotiations were held in a basement of a DC pizza parlor with ties to John Podesta and Hillary Clinton until late last night, but no deal has been reached. I am sure you will hear more about it of Fox News.

[mpcamb]

25. Putin's got thousands marching in the streets against him. That's why...

He's not popular despite what what you might get from newsprint.

[inwiththenew]

2. I wonder what the deal was?

I doubt he's leaving empty handed.

[GB_RN]

4. Perhaps Putin Realized

That putting the equivalent of two US armies on the border of Ukraine was tantamount to a declaration of war and that Biden was likely to do something about it. After all, Biden is definitely not the “former guy” whom he could expect to say a few words and back down immediately…or even better, say nothing at all - especially considering Putin’s hand was up the “former guy’s” ass, making his mouth move.

[inwiththenew]

6. I think the deal was with Ukraine

I don't think they (Ukraine) really believed that the west would come to their aid. I mean we didn't last time. Putin takes part of eastern Ukraine and Crimea and got a slap on the wrist for it.

[IronLionZion]

17. Europe doesn't want war with Russia

and they're probably willing to sacrifice Ukraine to avoid it.

This also makes NATO looks weak though, so Putin knows he puts the US in a difficult situation.

[Duncanpup]

3. I'm glad

[Lovie777]

5. I don't trust Putin . . .

that said, I think President Biden and allies helped with this decision. I can picture Putin attending the virtual Climate Change conference as well. He may be power hungry but I believe he is aware of global warming.

[lookyhereyou]

12. he likes it

opening shipping lanes now , hoping for less ice in the future

[The Jungle 1]

7. This is good news

[thucythucy]

8. I wonder if the people of Ukraine regret

giving up their nuclear arsenal after the breakup of the USSR.

I'm all for de-nuking the world, but in this case it may have been counterproductive.

[AllyCat]

9. This is good news.

Saw it this morning and thought how relieved the Ukrainian people must be.

[bluestarone]

10. What russia say means NOTHING to me.

I'll wait until the Ukrainian people speak.

[sarisataka]

13. This is the dangerous time

It gives a reason why all those troops can be moving. I'm sure they will be monitored with various intelligence assets to make sure they are moving the direction they are supposed to.

I never did hear if major support units also moved forward. If they did not, this was all a big bluff.

[Bayard]

14. Intimidation

Putin is a malevolent bully.

[lastlib]

15. Don't trust him, Joe.

Vlad is not our friend.

[dhol82]

16. Somebody blinked.

[padah513]

18. I think it was a couple threats

Russia depends on its energy for its fiscal survival and a glut of oil on the market will drop the price of a barrel oil significantly. And they are in the process of building a pipeline to Germany. If that gets cut off their economy will suffer even more. We have a say in both instances and Russia knows it.

[Xolodno]

19. The heavy weapons remain however..and wouldn't take long...

....to bring the forces back. And of course there will be troops still there to maintain everything.

And of course, then there is this.

https://www.cnn.com/2021/04/20/europe/ukraine-zelensky-putin-meeting-intl/index.html

Zelensky has been engaging with NATO for a stronger response against Russia for awhile and got nowhere. He's now pivoting.

[sarcasmo]

20. Sanctions work, especially financial sanctions.

[Calista241]

21. Subterfuge maybe?

Ukraine calms down and relaxes, while all the Russian troops in their armored vehicles have a reason to be driving around everywhere. I wouldn't stand down if I was the Ukrainians.

[JustABozoOnThisBus]

22. I'll believe it when they're gone.

By "gone", I mean "moved elsewhere", not just changed into civilian clothing and wandering around like an armed militia.

[SmartVoter22]

24. Russians have smartphones and use them

Russians use online video sharing more than people assume.
It is one of the few ways they can express their personal opinions without having to risk arrest at demonstrations.
The Ukrainians are also a tech savvy nation, as was seen during it's President's address on the Russian army buildup. The President basically warned of imminent war with Russia.

Once the Russian army starts moving out, it will be captured on cell phones and shared online. This will be the evidence of the Russian withdrawal from the Crimea region in Ukraine.

I, for one, look forward to seeing the videos, the russian equipment and maybe some interviews with Russian soldiers about the invasion of Crimea.
Russia does have a voice and it is not just Putin's. Millions should and likely will speak up, speak out loudly and Putin will have a very hard time avoiding criticism of the Crimea fiasco, which it now is.

[lamp_shade]

26. Thank you. I hope you are right.