Russia Withdraws from Border Area with Ukraine... Intended as a Warning to the West?

Putin: "Do Not Cross the Line in Violating National Interests"

President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine visiting the Donbas region [Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Suhwan] Russia recently announced that it will withdraw the military forces that had been amassed near the eastern border region of Ukraine. This has led to analyses suggesting that the troop buildup was not intended for an actual invasion of Ukraine but rather as a warning message to the United States and other Western countries.

According to TASS news agency on the 22nd (local time), Russian Defense Minister Sergey Shoigu visited the Crimean Peninsula, forcibly annexed from Ukraine, observed military exercises, and then ordered the troops to return to their units, declaring the end of emergency inspections. Earlier, after satellite images captured Russian troops gathering near the eastern border of Ukraine, Russia conducted coastal landing defense exercises involving more than 10,000 troops in Crimea.

The Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs recently stated that "more than 100,000 Russian troops have gathered near the border region of Donbas in eastern Ukraine" and requested military support from the United States and other Western countries. This raised concerns among Western nations that Russia might launch a military intervention in eastern Ukraine.

However, with Minister Shoigu's order on the 22nd for the reinforced troops near the Ukrainian border to return to their units, military tensions in the region are expected to ease. Ned Price, spokesperson for the U.S. State Department, said on the same day that they would "closely monitor whether the withdrawal is properly carried out."

The troop buildup by Russia is interpreted as a warning response to the West not to threaten Russia's national interests. Earlier, President Vladimir Putin said in a TV address on the 21st, "The West must not cross the red lines that infringe upon our national interests." BBC reported, "This troop buildup was likely an action to send a strong warning to Ukraine, NATO, and the United States." Professor Marta Ditzok of Western University also analyzed that "Putin intended to showcase his country's military capabilities."

Meanwhile, on the same day, the Czech Republic decided to expel 63 staff members of the Russian embassy in its country. This is the second expulsion measure following the expulsion of 18 Russian diplomats by Czech authorities on the 17th, shortly after announcing that Russia was behind the 2014 explosion at its ammunition depot. The Guardian reported, "Russia is facing diplomatic clashes with the Czech Republic amid ongoing conflicts with Ukraine."