Photo: EPA/UPG
The US Presidential Administration believes that Russia's statements about the alleged withdrawal of some military forces from the Ukrainian capital are a regrouping, not a withdrawal, as stated by the Kremlin.
Ukrinform reports that White House Communications Director Kate Bedingfield stated this at a briefing.
"We must clearly understand the reality of what is happening on the battlefield, and Russia's statements should not mislead anyone. We believe that any (Russian) troop movements from Kyiv is a redeployment, not a withdrawal," said a spokeswoman for the White House.
She noted that the United States does not rule out new attacks by Russian troops in other regions of Ukraine.
Bedingfield also emphasized the importance of unity among the United States and its allies in efforts to increase pressure on Russia and strengthen Ukraine's defense capabilities and the position of official Kyiv at the negotiating table.
Three-hour negotiations between Ukraine and RF took place in Istanbul on Tuesday. The Russian side informed that it would take "two steps towards de-escalation" towards Kyiv; in particular, it would "drastically reduce military activity in the Kyiv and Chernihiv directions."
Washington commented on the statements, saying it would evaluate the Kremlin's statements "not in words but deeds."
According to the General Staff of the UAF (Armed Forces of Ukraine), Russia is currently withdrawing some units from the Kyiv and Chernihiv regions. Still, it is regrouping them to focus on Slobozhansk's and Donetsk's directions.
In his evening address to Ukrainians, the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, emphasized that one can call the signals from negotiations with the Russian delegation on the cessation of war actions positive, "but you still can hear the rupture of Russian shells."
I'm sure you saw the news today that the Russian military allegedly decided to "reduce military actions in the Kyiv and Chernihiv directions" ... Well, the same can be said about Chornobaivka – it is as if Russian aircraft simply decided to fly less, and Russian military vehicles decided to ride less," said Zelensky.
The President also emphasized that the UAF, intelligence, and all defenders of Ukraine are the only guarantee of our safety today.