The U.S. said as many as 7,000 Russian troops have been added to the more than 100,000 already near Ukraine’s borders, rejecting Russian statements that it has begun drawing down some forces.

 loomberg News

16. Februar 2022, 09:23 MEZUpdated on17. Februar 2022, 02:09 MEZ

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The U.S. said as many as 7,000 Russian troops have been added to the more than 100,000 already near Ukraine’s borders, rejecting Russian statements that it has begun drawing down some forces. 

The remarks by U.S. officials, who briefed reporters on condition of anonymity, followed comments earlier by NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg that there’s no proof of de-escalation and that Russia appeared to be continuing its military build-up. The Kremlin denied the claim and earlier Wednesday said that more troops were returning to their bases after maneuvers ended in Crimea, which Russia annexed in 2014. 

Separately, U.S. President Joe Biden spoke with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz ahead of an emergency summit of European leaders on Ukraine set for Thursday. Group of Seven foreign ministers will then meet in person in Munich on Saturday.