Putin says military force in Ukraine will only be 'last resort'

Russian President Vladimir Putin has said the country will use military force in Ukraine as a last resort.

The remarks from Putin were apparently intended to ease East-West tension over fears of war in the former Soviet republic.

According to China Daily, Putin said Russia reserved the right to use all options in Ukraine to protect its compatriots there who were living in 'terror'.

Putin, meanwhile, ordered tens of thousands of Russian troops participating in military exercises near Ukraine's border to return to their bases.

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