Russia Claims Partial Troop Withdrawal, NATO Sees Continued Buildup
Moscow's withdrawal claims contradicted by Western intelligence showing continued force positioning for invasion
Moscow’s Withdrawal Claims Contradicted by Western Intelligence
Russia announced a partial withdrawal of forces from near Ukraine’s borders on February 15, 2022, claiming some units were returning to bases after completing exercises, but NATO and Western intelligence agencies reported continued military buildup and movement toward attack positions.
Key Facts
- Russian claim: Partial troop withdrawal beginning
- Western assessment: No evidence of meaningful withdrawal
- Reality: Continued force positioning for invasion
- Timing: One week before full-scale invasion
Russian Statements
Moscow’s Defense Ministry announced:
- Some units completing exercises and returning to bases
- Routine rotation of military personnel
- Continuation of training activities
- Adherence to exercise schedules
Western Intelligence Findings
NATO and allied agencies observed:
- Continued arrival of additional forces
- Movement toward attack positions rather than away
- No significant reduction in overall force levels
- Increased readiness of combat units
Satellite Evidence
Commercial satellite imagery revealed:
- New military encampments appearing
- Bridge construction for river crossings
- Forward positioning of logistics units
- Medical facilities being established near border
Diplomatic Context
The withdrawal claims came amid:
- Intensive diplomatic efforts to prevent war
- German Chancellor Scholz’s visit to Moscow
- French President Macron’s mediation attempts
- US warnings of imminent invasion
Information Warfare
The false withdrawal narrative served to:
- Create confusion about Russian intentions
- Provide diplomatic cover for final preparations
- Delay Western response measures
- Maintain element of surprise
Military Positioning
While claiming withdrawal, Russia actually:
- Moved forces from training areas to attack positions
- Established field hospitals and blood banks
- Positioned logistics for sustained operations
- Coordinated with forces in Belarus and Crimea
Western Response
Allied governments:
- Publicly disputed Russian withdrawal claims
- Shared contradictory intelligence
- Maintained warnings about invasion risk
- Continued diplomatic pressure
Media Coverage
International media reported:
- Skepticism about Russian claims
- Expert analysis questioning authenticity
- Satellite imagery contradicting Moscow’s statements
- Continued diplomatic efforts despite evidence
Ukrainian Reaction
Kyiv responded with:
- Cautious skepticism about withdrawal claims
- Continued defensive preparations
- Appeals for Western support
- Maintenance of government operations
Final Preparations
During this period, Russia completed:
- Positioning of invasion forces along multiple axes
- Coordination between different military districts
- Preparation of information warfare campaigns
- Final diplomatic and propaganda preparations
The false withdrawal claims of February 15 represented one of the final acts of deception before Russia’s full-scale invasion, demonstrating how disinformation was used as a tool of military strategy to maintain tactical surprise until the moment of attack.