Ukraine confirms partial Russian pullout from border

Ukraine's State Border Service (SBS) Wednesday reported a partial withdrawal of Russian troops from the border.

"According to our information, the pullout of troops from our borders is under way. However, intelligence units, radio units, electronic reconnaissance units as well as logistic infrastructure are staying where they were," SBS Chairman Mykola Lytvyn told a press conference here.

Lytvyn said his agency did not rule out the possibility of Russian troops returning to the area and urged the government to create a special 3,000-troop unit to strengthen control on the eastern border-crossing, according to Xinhua.

However, Lytvyn emphasised a border closure was not on the agenda.

So far, tensions have remained high in eastern Ukraine, where pro-Russia activists are engaged in conflicts with government troops.

Kiev has repeatedly blamed Moscow for inciting the unrest and splitting Ukraine. Russia denies the charges.

To ease the tension, Russia started withdrawing troops from regions bordering Ukraine from May 19.