Putin U-turns Russian troops from Ukraine after a last show of firepower defiance

VLADIMIR Putin has pulled back Russian troops from the Ukraine border despite showcasing the country's military firepower.

It comes as new footage shows Russian forces displaying their combat readiness in various regions across the country.

Defence minister and close ally of Putin Sergei Shoigu ordered ten of thousands of troops back to their bases by May 1.

But at the same time, he ordered their heavy weapons kept in western Russia for another military exercise later this year.

The weapons will be stored at the Pogonovo firing range in the southwestern region of Voronezh - 100 miles east of the border with Ukraine.

Overnight, "frightened" residents in Rostov-on-Don, close to the Ukrainian border, witnessed “spooky lights” later identified as an infrared guidance system on a Russian warplane.

A video shows a 600-strong deployment from the Northern Fleet performing live firing drills in the Astrakhan region with S-300 long range surface-to-air missiles.

Other footage shows Tu-95 strategic missile carriers in the Amur region, artillery fire from warships in the Pacific, and army drills in the Leningrad region.

Moscow also claimed to have turned away in American spy plane from its state border amid high tensions between Russia and the US.

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Moment Putin caves to the West and withdraws troops from Ukraine border but shows off firepower in act of defiance

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[alanlinthwaite]

Russia caved to the West, 😂😂😂😂 What you really mean is the training exercise finished and they left

[limedickandrew]

Ah then, it must have been those two RN ships Boris said we were gonna send to the Black Sea. Either that or the exercise came to an end and everyone goes home for the Othodox Easter next weekend.

[spawn]

I dont think Russia caved into the west, the whole point of this is to show how fast they can muster a force for war.

[phillhodges]

I grew up in west Germany back in the 80s my father was in the British army, we/ nato did this on a regular basis, there’s no news here

[bish]

It was intimidation Putin hasn’t caved to anyone He’s showing Ukraine how powerful Russia is

[grahambeale]

Lots of military experts on here today

[coldwater]

This title is like the guy that tries to complete the last word of every sentence you say when telling a fun story.

[robertbobbypelletreaujr]

Russia caved to nothing. They had a training exercise to keep the boys sharp, interested and engaged. I heard that Russia said: "we dont usually answer questions about our stuff, but since we are leaving anyway, it was an exercise. Why are you asking us questions anyway?"

[malpa]

Just training exercises. Nothing to worry about here folks

[POLISHAMERICANLEGIONS]

As a Polish American from Bajan old family I have a lot of respect to the president Lukaszenko of free Belarus and president Putin of the Great Russia. You both are the best leaders of your countries and maybe in the entire world. I am very sorry for the Polish Government which does not represents Polish People in Poland and in the world.

[giuliahuan]

Can anyone explain to me the great mystery of how can Russia U-turn its troops from Ukraine if it never brought them to Ukraine? Thank you!!

[willengel]

Zelesky wisely chose not to repeat Georgia 2.0. 👍👍😊

[upahtv]

Its their territory, what do you want? Change your title, pls

[spokeN]

Yet again, amazing journalism, all I saw was a montage of stock footage.

[BulgarianDota]

As an orthodox Eastern European he just sent the lads home for Easter 🐣 it aint over trust me.

[robertjohnston]

In spite of all his harsh words Putin is not willing to initiate a direct armed conflict with the west. He wasn't expecting NATO to call his bluff.

[godchannelled]

Ronnie pickering and the Wealdstone were airlifted in ... Russia had no choice but to retreat....

[kentstructures]

"Putin's last defiant show of firepower before caving to the West & withdrawing" - they are just there, to a lesser extent yes . What are you talking about?

[MrDICKHEAD]

YEAH IT'S CALLED MILITARY EXERCISE

[skywatcher]

Who says he actually has ? Could be a Chess move