Russia claims to be de-escalating but the West is doubtful

RUSSIA / FSU POLITICS - In Brief 30 Mar 2022 by Alex Teddy
On March 29 Moscow said it was halting major combat operations in northern Ukraine and concentrating on the Donbas. Ukraine remains skeptical but noted there has been a reduction in Russian activity near Kyiv. The US suspects that Russia is rotating units. Some Russian units have been in the field on exercise since November 2021 and then in combat since February 2022 and need a break. Fresh units will replace them.Russia claims the first phase of the war has ended generally successfully. That qualifier "generally" may confirm Western assessments that Russia has largely failed since it has not taken Kyiv. Talks in Turkey were held on March 29. The Ukrainian side submitted written proposals which Russia will consider. However, talks did not continue into the next day. On March 29 Ireland, the Netherlands and Belgium expelled 42 Russian diplomats. No doubt Russia will retaliate.The Russian Foreign Minister is in China. It is his first visit to the country since the Ukraine conflict began. The ostensible purpose is to discuss Afghanistan. Economic ties with China will be absolutely vital in enabling Russia to resist Western sanctions.

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