Russia tells France it will withdraw troops from Belarus after military drill
The French presidential office says it has confirmed that Russia will withdraw troops from Belarus after an upcoming joint military exercise there.
The office said Russian President Vladimir Putin agreed on the withdrawal with French President Emmanuel Macron during their talks on Monday.
The joint drill between Russia and Belarus is scheduled to start on Thursday.
Western countries have criticized the planned exercise. They say it could fuel concern over a possible Russian invasion of Ukraine, which borders both Russia and Belarus. Russia has amassed troops on its border with Ukraine.
Macron and Putin also reportedly agreed to refrain from taking military actions in a bid to de-escalate tension over Ukraine.
Meanwhile, Putin reportedly reiterated that he will not make concessions on the Russian security demand, which he said is legitimate. Russia is urging that NATO not be expanded further.
