Is Russia conducting a proxy war in Ukraine? Tensions in eastern Ukraine have risen dramatically after Russia backed separatists engaged in multiple shelling incidents this morning. A nursery school was hit. Palki Sharma tells you more.

Gravitas: Is Russia conducting a proxy war in Ukraine?

Foreigners in Ukraine are now contemplating leaving Kyiv altogether in case of a Russian invasion. Also, many countries are urging their citizens there to leave and are cutting back their diplomatic staff.

Fears of a Russian attack prompts people to leave Kyiv

Russia on Thursday (February 17) announced a new drawdown of military forces from the Moscow-annexed Crimean peninsula, continuing a troop withdrawal. While the United States warned that Moscow's announcement of a troop withdrawal is false.

Russia on Thursday (February 17) announced a new drawdown of military forces from the Moscow-annexed Crimean peninsula, continuing a troop withdrawal. While the United States warned that Moscow's announcement of a troop withdrawal is false. A senior White House official said that Russia has increased its presence on the border with Ukraine "by as many as 7,000 troops". In a statement that was published by Russian news agencies, the country's defence ministry said: "Units of the southern military district that ended tactical exercises at training grounds on the Crimean peninsula are returning by rail to their permanent bases." IN PICS | Russia's next wonder weapon: Kedr intercontinental ballistic missile The defence ministry said that tank units of the western military district had departed on a military train for their bases 1,000 kilometres away. However, no details were provided to specify the number of troops or equipment involved. Meanwhile, the senior White House official said that Russia could launch a "false" pretext to invade Ukraine "at any moment". The official added that while Russia has said it wants to reach a diplomatic solution, its actions indicate otherwise. IN PICS | Satellite pictures: New Pontoon bridge & Russian troop deployment along Ukraine Western countries have claimed that Russia has amassed well over 100,000 troops and significant military hardware near Ukraine's borders. The West also fears that such massive troops build-up could result in the potential invasion of Ukraine, which Washington says could take place "at any time". On the other hand, Russia has repeatedly denied any plans for an attack but has agreed that "large-scale" military exercises are taking place in various areas. Russia has never specified the number of troops present at the Ukraine border region. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Kyiv had observed only "small rotations" that did not signify any real change. ×

Russia 'pulling back more troops' but US says Moscow could launch 'false' pretext to invade Ukraine

Russia has said that some military units had begun returning to their bases after carrying out combat training measures near the Ukrainian border.

Russia says some military units are returning back to their bases from Ukraine border

Russia has announced to pull back some of the troops near the Ukrainian border to their bases after completing drills, an indication of a possible de-escalation during the crisis with the Western nations.

Russia and the West have been at loggerheads ever since reports came out that over 100,000 Russian troops were deployed near their neighbour’s borders.

The US and its NATO allies alleged that the troop movement was part of a Russian invasion plan—which Vladimir Putin denied.

In fact, US President Joe Biden believed and reportedly informed his allies that Russia would launch an attack on February 16.

On Tuesday, the Russian defence ministry's spokesman said that some forces deployed near Ukraine had completed their exercises and were packing up to leave.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-nationals-including-students-should-leave-ukraine-says-government-advisory-453383" hreflang="en">Indians including students may consider leaving Ukraine, says govt advisory</a>

“Units of the Southern and Western military districts, having completed their tasks, have already begun loading onto rail and road transport and today they will begin moving to their military garrisons,” the ministry's chief spokesman, Igor Konashenkov, told Russian news agencies.

Another diplomat mocked the&nbsp;Western intelligence for naming the date of a Russian invasion, saying, "February 15, 2022, will go down in history as the day when Western war propaganda failed."

"They were humiliated and defeated without a single shot,"&nbsp;Maria Zakharova, a spokesman for the Russian foreign ministry said on social media.

It is unclear how many units have been withdrawn, but it was the first announcement of a Russian drawdown in weeks.

Meanwhile, while crediting its diplomatic efforts to avert a Russian invasion, Ukraine called on Russia to pull back all of its remaining forces from the countries' shared frontier.

“We have a rule: don't believe what you hear, believe what you see. When we see a withdrawal, we will believe in a de-escalation,” foreign minister Dmytro Kuleba told reporters following reports some Russian troops were returning to base.

Watch |&nbsp;Reports: Some Russian forces returning after drills in Ukraine

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/reports-some-russian-forces-returning-after-drills-in-ukraine-453443/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

(With inputs from agencies)

Russia has announced to pull back some of the troops near the Ukrainian border to their bases after completing drills, an indication of a possible de-escalation during the crisis with the Western nations.

Russia has announced to pull back some of the troops near the Ukrainian border to their bases after completing drills, an indication of a possible de-escalation during the crisis with the Western nations. Russia and the West have been at loggerheads ever since reports came out that over 100,000 Russian troops were deployed near their neighbour’s borders. The US and its NATO allies alleged that the troop movement was part of a Russian invasion plan—which Vladimir Putin denied. In fact, US President Joe Biden believed and reportedly informed his allies that Russia would launch an attack on February 16. On Tuesday, the Russian defence ministry's spokesman said that some forces deployed near Ukraine had completed their exercises and were packing up to leave. Also read | Indians including students may consider leaving Ukraine, says govt advisory “Units of the Southern and Western military districts, having completed their tasks, have already begun loading onto rail and road transport and today they will begin moving to their military garrisons,” the ministry's chief spokesman, Igor Konashenkov, told Russian news agencies. Another diplomat mocked the Western intelligence for naming the date of a Russian invasion, saying, "February 15, 2022, will go down in history as the day when Western war propaganda failed." "They were humiliated and defeated without a single shot," Maria Zakharova, a spokesman for the Russian foreign ministry said on social media. It is unclear how many units have been withdrawn, but it was the first announcement of a Russian drawdown in weeks. Meanwhile, while crediting its diplomatic efforts to avert a Russian invasion, Ukraine called on Russia to pull back all of its remaining forces from the countries' shared frontier. “We have a rule: don't believe what you hear, believe what you see. When we see a withdrawal, we will believe in a de-escalation,” foreign minister Dmytro Kuleba told reporters following reports some Russian troops were returning to base. Watch | Reports: Some Russian forces returning after drills in Ukraine (With inputs from agencies)

Russia pulls back some troops from Ukraine border, Kyiv says ‘we will see, then believe’

Russia said that it has recalled some of its diplomatic staff from Ukraine over fears of provocations from Kyiv and its allies in response to similar actions by the US, UK and other countries.

Russia pulls out some diplomatic staff from Ukraine as border tensions escalates

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has confirmed a trip to Moscow for next week, despite warnings from the US government of a possible imminent Russian attack on Ukraine.

Brazilian President Bolsonaro confirms Russia trip despite Ukraine conflict

How can the Ukraine crisis end? Can diplomacy defuse tensions without military conflict? As multiple rounds of talks fail to yield any result, WION's Alyson Le Grange and Palki Sharma discuss what lies ahead in the Ukraine-Russia conflict.

Russia-Ukraine Border Tensions: Can diplomacy defuse tensions without military conflict?

The Normandy Talks have failed. The Russian Military has surrounded Ukraine. Where are things headed? Is a war inevitable? Palki Sharma decodes the possibilities with WION's correspondents from Berlin, Washington D.C. & London.

Gravitas Ukraine Direct: Russia Vs Ukraine: Decoding Friday's biggest developments

The Indian Business Community in Ukraine is on the edge. A war could spell doom for their livelihoods. Palki Sharma interviewed Indian businessmen based in Kyiv to understand their worries.

Gravitas Ukraine Direct: WION speaks to Indian Businessmen in Ukraine

The Normandy format talks between Russia and Ukraine broke down in Berlin after 9 hours. US President Joe Biden is asking Americans to leave Ukraine immediately. With each diplomatic failure, is Europe inching closer to war? Palki Sharma tells you.

Gravitas Ukraine Direct: Russian build-up grows as Moscow-Kyiv talks break down

The National Opera of Ukraine has withstood wars & conflicts. Today, it stands resolute in the face of a looming invasion. The performances continue in all their glory, instilling hope among the residents of Kyiv. Palki Sharma went backstage to witness the pre-show rehearsals.

Gravitas Ukraine Direct: 'The Show must go on' WION goes backstage at an Opera House in Kyiv

President Joe Biden called on US citizens to leave Ukraine immediately due to the heightened risk of a Russian invasion. Biden reiterated that under no circumstances would he send US troops to Ukraine, even to rescue Americans in case of a Russian invasion.

Russia-Ukraine Conflict: US urges its citizens to leave Ukraine immediately

Will Russia use military drills as pretext for war? Do Ukrainian forces stand a chance against the Russian Juggernaut. Palki Sharma decodes Ukraine's options with Volodymyr Solohub & Katharine Quinn-Judge.

Gravitas Ukraine Direct: Will Ukraine survive war? WION interviews Volodymyr Solohub & Katharine Quinn-Judge

Ukrainian troops are bracing themselves for a Russian juggernaut. Joining them are 17,000 foreign fighters from 27 countries. Palki Sharma travelled to the headquarters of the Georgia National Legion which is training these fighters for war. Here's a ground report.

Gravitas Ukraine Direct: Inside Ukraine's training camp for foreign fighters

WION examines global issues with in-depth analysis and brings you a quick round-up of all the top headlines and breakings from all across the world.

WION Speed News: Russia, Ukraine tensions escalate

President Joe Biden said Monday "it would be wise"&nbsp;for Americans other than essential diplomats to leave Ukraine amid the Russian military threat.

Biden made his comments during a joint press conference with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz at the White House, shortly after the two leaders met for talks about the simmering crisis.

The State Department has already authorized nonessential employees to leave and has called on all family members of diplomats in Ukraine to do so.

Biden also said Monday "there will no longer be Nord Stream 2,"&nbsp;a crucial Russia-to-Germany natural gas pipeline, if Russia further invades Ukraine with "tanks and troops."

International efforts to defuse the standoff over Ukraine intensified Monday, with French President Emmanuel Macron holding talks in Moscow and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz in Washington to coordinate policies as fears of a Russian invasion mounted.

The buildup of over 100,000 Russian troops near Ukraine has fueled Western worries of a possible offensive. White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan warned Sunday that Russia could invade Ukraine "any day,"&nbsp;triggering a conflict that would come at an "enormous human cost."

Russia has denied any plans to attack its neighbour but demands that the U.S. And its allies bar Ukraine and other former Soviet nations from joining NATO, halt weapons deployments there and roll back NATO forces from Eastern Europe. Washington and NATO reject those demands.

Speaking at the start of his meeting with Scholz, U.S. President Joe Biden said that the U.S. And Germany were "working in lockstep to further deter Russian aggression in Europe."

Scholz added: "We are closest allies and we are working intensely together, and this is necessary for doing the steps that we have to do, for instance, fighting against Russian aggression against Ukraine."

Macron, meanwhile, called for de-escalation as he began talks with President Vladimir Putin in the Kremlin. "Dialogue is necessary because that's the only thing that will help, in my views, to build a context of a security and stability on the European continent,"&nbsp;Macron said, adding that he's ready to "start building an effective response."

Putin, in turn, praised France's role in shaping European security, saying he appreciates Macron's efforts to help ensure "an equal security in Europe"&nbsp;and broker a settlement to the Ukrainian crisis. "I realize that we share concern about what's going on in Europe in the security sphere,"&nbsp;the Russian leader said as he faced Macron across a long table.

Macron and Putin then met for hours of one-on-one talks and a meal that included fish soup, the choice of sturgeon or reindeer with sweet potatoes and pear pie with vanilla ice cream.

Macron, who heads Tuesday to Ukraine, spoke by phone Sunday with Biden. Before the Putin meeting, Macron said: "I don't believe in spontaneous miracles."

"The security and sovereignty of Ukraine or any other European state cannot be a subject for compromise, while it is also legitimate for Russia to pose the question of its own security,"&nbsp;Macron told the French newspaper Journal du Dimanche, adding he believes "the geopolitical objective of Russia today is clearly not Ukraine, but to clarify the rules of cohabitation with NATO and the EU."

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov sought to temper expectations, saying "the situation is too complex to expect a decisive breakthrough after just one meeting,"&nbsp;and noting the West has ignored Moscow's security demands.

Before meeting Biden, Scholz told German media that "there will be a very high price if Ukraine is attacked militarily. And we are preparing for this very precisely and have been talking about the details for a long time.? Scholz will travel to Kyiv and Moscow Feb. 14-15.

Ahead of the visit, the White House sought to play down Germany's refusal to supply lethal weapons to Ukraine, bolster its troops in Eastern Europe or spell out which sanctions it would support against Russia ? a cautious stand that has drawn criticism abroad and inside Germany.

White House press secretary Jen Psaki on Monday again pushed back against criticism of Germany that it's not doing enough to support Ukraine.

"The president has also noted&nbsp;that different countries make different contributions,"&nbsp;Psaki said, noting Germany's significant nonmilitary aid to Ukraine.

Psaki also reiterated that the Nord Stream 2 Russian gas pipeline to Germany "will not move forward"&nbsp;should Russia further invade Ukraine. But she sidestepped questions about whether the Germans have given the White House assurances that it would shut off the pipeline that has been completed and is currently awaiting certification by German and EU regulators.

Separately German Defense Minister Christine Lambrecht said her country would add up to 350 troops within a few days to about 500 already a part of a NATO battlegroup in Lithuania. "With this, we are strengthening our contribution to forces on NATO's eastern flank and sending a very clear signal of unity to our allies,"&nbsp;she said.

Biden already has deployed additional U.S. Troops to Poland, Romania and Germany, and a few dozen elite U.S troops and equipment landed Sunday in southeastern Poland near the border with Ukraine, with hundreds more infantry troops of the 82nd Airborne Division set to arrive.

Britain said it was sending 350 troops to Poland to bolster NATO forces, joining 100 Royal Engineers already there.

President Joe Biden said Monday "it would be wise" for Americans other than essential diplomats to leave Ukraine amid the Russian military threat. Biden made his comments during a joint press conference with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz at the White House, shortly after the two leaders met for talks about the simmering crisis.

President Joe Biden said Monday "it would be wise" for Americans other than essential diplomats to leave Ukraine amid the Russian military threat. Biden made his comments during a joint press conference with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz at the White House, shortly after the two leaders met for talks about the simmering crisis. The State Department has already authorized nonessential employees to leave and has called on all family members of diplomats in Ukraine to do so. Biden also said Monday "there will no longer be Nord Stream 2," a crucial Russia-to-Germany natural gas pipeline, if Russia further invades Ukraine with "tanks and troops." International efforts to defuse the standoff over Ukraine intensified Monday, with French President Emmanuel Macron holding talks in Moscow and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz in Washington to coordinate policies as fears of a Russian invasion mounted. The buildup of over 100,000 Russian troops near Ukraine has fueled Western worries of a possible offensive. White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan warned Sunday that Russia could invade Ukraine "any day," triggering a conflict that would come at an "enormous human cost." Russia has denied any plans to attack its neighbour but demands that the U.S. And its allies bar Ukraine and other former Soviet nations from joining NATO, halt weapons deployments there and roll back NATO forces from Eastern Europe. Washington and NATO reject those demands. Speaking at the start of his meeting with Scholz, U.S. President Joe Biden said that the U.S. And Germany were "working in lockstep to further deter Russian aggression in Europe." Scholz added: "We are closest allies and we are working intensely together, and this is necessary for doing the steps that we have to do, for instance, fighting against Russian aggression against Ukraine." Macron, meanwhile, called for de-escalation as he began talks with President Vladimir Putin in the Kremlin. "Dialogue is necessary because that's the only thing that will help, in my views, to build a context of a security and stability on the European continent," Macron said, adding that he's ready to "start building an effective response." Putin, in turn, praised France's role in shaping European security, saying he appreciates Macron's efforts to help ensure "an equal security in Europe" and broker a settlement to the Ukrainian crisis. "I realize that we share concern about what's going on in Europe in the security sphere," the Russian leader said as he faced Macron across a long table. Macron and Putin then met for hours of one-on-one talks and a meal that included fish soup, the choice of sturgeon or reindeer with sweet potatoes and pear pie with vanilla ice cream. Macron, who heads Tuesday to Ukraine, spoke by phone Sunday with Biden. Before the Putin meeting, Macron said: "I don't believe in spontaneous miracles." "The security and sovereignty of Ukraine or any other European state cannot be a subject for compromise, while it is also legitimate for Russia to pose the question of its own security," Macron told the French newspaper Journal du Dimanche, adding he believes "the geopolitical objective of Russia today is clearly not Ukraine, but to clarify the rules of cohabitation with NATO and the EU." Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov sought to temper expectations, saying "the situation is too complex to expect a decisive breakthrough after just one meeting," and noting the West has ignored Moscow's security demands. Before meeting Biden, Scholz told German media that "there will be a very high price if Ukraine is attacked militarily. And we are preparing for this very precisely and have been talking about the details for a long time.? Scholz will travel to Kyiv and Moscow Feb. 14-15. Ahead of the visit, the White House sought to play down Germany's refusal to supply lethal weapons to Ukraine, bolster its troops in Eastern Europe or spell out which sanctions it would support against Russia ? a cautious stand that has drawn criticism abroad and inside Germany. White House press secretary Jen Psaki on Monday again pushed back against criticism of Germany that it's not doing enough to support Ukraine. "The president has also noted that different countries make different contributions," Psaki said, noting Germany's significant nonmilitary aid to Ukraine. Psaki also reiterated that the Nord Stream 2 Russian gas pipeline to Germany "will not move forward" should Russia further invade Ukraine. But she sidestepped questions about whether the Germans have given the White House assurances that it would shut off the pipeline that has been completed and is currently awaiting certification by German and EU regulators. Separately German Defense Minister Christine Lambrecht said her country would add up to 350 troops within a few days to about 500 already a part of a NATO battlegroup in Lithuania. "With this, we are strengthening our contribution to forces on NATO's eastern flank and sending a very clear signal of unity to our allies," she said. Biden already has deployed additional U.S. Troops to Poland, Romania and Germany, and a few dozen elite U.S troops and equipment landed Sunday in southeastern Poland near the border with Ukraine, with hundreds more infantry troops of the 82nd Airborne Division set to arrive. Britain said it was sending 350 troops to Poland to bolster NATO forces, joining 100 Royal Engineers already there.

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As the threat of Russia invading Ukraine looms the United States has painted the most ominous picture till date. According to some senior officials in Washington DC, Russia has assembled about 70 percent of its military capabilities which is needed for a full-scale invasion

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While the gridlock continues over Ukraine Russian ambassador to Washington Anatoly Antonov has reiterated that Russia is not planning to attack Ukraine the envoy added that war is not Moscow's interest

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Gravitas: Ukraine Vs Russia: Comparing the Military capabilities

'The war is already on' says Ukrainian political commentator Kari Odermann in an exclusive conversation with WION's Executive Editor Palki Sharma. Watch the full interview below.

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India has refused to pick sides in the ongoing stand-off in Ukraine. Russia is a long-time strategic partner and the US is leading the anti-China coalition. Palki Sharma decodes India's non-alignment.

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WION's Executive Editor Palki Sharma is in Kyiv to track the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Watch her decode the developments with correspondents from Brussels, Moscow & Beijing.

Gravitas: Tracking the Russia-Ukraine conflict