Germany calls for substantial withdrawal by Russia

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(17 Feb 2022) NATO allies accused Russia of misleading the world by saying it was returning some troops to bases, reporting that Moscow has instead added as many as 7,000 more forces near its tense border with Ukraine. • We have to see a substantial withdrawal, said German Defence Minister Christine Lambrecht in Brussels. We haven't seen that yet, and that's what we're waiting for. • The alliance warned Thursday that the buildup has only strengthened its resolve. • After a handful of positive signals from Russia that eased tensions earlier in the week, the pendulum appeared to be swinging in the opposite direction again. • The NATO chief welcomed Kremlin offers to keep pursuing diplomatic solutions, but he and others warned that the U.S.-led alliance has still seen no sign of the military withdrawal that Moscow announced. • Russia has massed an estimated 150,000-plus troops near it ex-Soviet neighbor, sparking concerns that an attack is imminent. None materialized Wednesday, as feared, and Ukrainians spent the day defiantly celebrating their unity and resolve to face down any Russian threat. • Moscow said several times this week that some forces are pulling back to their bases, but it gave virtually no details that would allow an independent assessment and Western leaders quickly cast doubt on those statements. • On Thursday, NATO allies knocked down the Russian assertions again — and warned that they are ready to counter any aggression. • Lambrecht also commented on Mali after France announced it will withdraw its troops from the country nine years after it first intervened to drive Islamic extremists from power. • We are considering how we can continue to make our support in the Sahel because it is important to continue the fight against terrorism here, she said, adding this must also be done in such a way that I can guarantee the appropriate security for the German soldiers, to whom I have a responsibility. • France said it intends to maintain a military presence in neighboring West African nations. • French President Emmanuel Macron said a coalition of allies will remain in the Sahel and the Guinea Gulf to counter actions from Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State, adding that French troops will help secure the United Nations peacekeeping mission in Mali before leaving. • European leaders simultaneously announced Thursday that troops from a EU-led military task force known as Takuba also would withdraw from Mali. The Takuba task force is composed of several hundred special forces troops from about a dozen countries, including France. • Lambrecht said she was skeptical that Germany could continue to take part in the training of Mali armed forces, raising doubts about the EU mission’s future. • • Find out more about AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/HowWeWork • Twitter: / ap_archive • Facebook: / aparchives • Instagram: / apnews • • • You can license this story through AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/metadata/you...

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