"Let me assure you that if we get visible evidence that they are actually pulling back their troops, I will be the very first to welcome it," NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen said in Warsaw.
"I have to repeat that while we have noticed the Russian statements that they have started to withdraw troops, so far we haven't seen any, any indications that they're pulling back," he said after talks with Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk.
Putin announced a pullback on yesterday in response to Western concerns of a possible Ukraine invasion, but both the Western military alliance and the United States have questioned the claim.
"For those with a blind eye we suggest to follow President Putin's statement of May 7," Russia's foreign ministry said on Twitter after Rasmussen tweeted that he saw no sign of a withdrawal.
Asked about the Russian tweet by reporters in Warsaw, Rasmussen responded: "I have very good vision."
The 28 members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation have responded to Russia's intervention in Ukraine by stepping up defences in Eastern Europe, sending warships, fighter jets and troops to the region.
The troop surge is scheduled to end on December 31, but the alliance has said the build-up could become permanent.
You’ve reached your limit of {{free_limit}} free articles this month.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
Already subscribed? Log in
Subscribe to read the full story →
Smart Quarterly
₹900
3 Months
₹300/Month
Smart Essential
₹2,700
1 Year
₹225/Month
Super Saver
₹3,900
2 Years
₹162/Month
Renews automatically, cancel anytime
Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans
Access to Exclusive Premium Stories
Over 30 subscriber-only stories daily, handpicked by our editors


Complimentary Access to The New York Times
News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic
Business Standard Epaper
Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share


Curated Newsletters
Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox
Market Analysis & Investment Insights
In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor


Archives
Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997
Ad-free Reading
Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements


Seamless Access Across All Devices
Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app