While “small numbers” of Russian forces had pulled away from Kyiv “in the last day or so,” the Defense Department warned that Russia can still inflict “massive brutality” on the country, especially on the capital city.

“We believe that this is a repositioning, not a real withdrawal, and that we all should be prepared to watch for a major offensive against other areas of Ukraine. It does not mean the threat to Kyiv is over,” during a briefing, Pentagon press secretary John Kirby stated.

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“Nobody should be fooling ourselves by the Kremlin’s now recent claim that it will suddenly just reduce military attacks near Kyiv, or any reports that it’s going to withdraw all its forces,” Kirby said.

Kirby stated that the amount of Russian forces withdrawing from the Ukrainian capital are “not anywhere near the majority of what they have arrayed against Kyiv,” and that Russia has resumed bombings on the city “even today.”

Kirby said the relocating Russian forces are going “more northward,” but it’s “too early to tell” where they’ll end up.

“We assess that it is likely more a repositioning to be used elsewhere in Ukraine. Where exactly, we don’t know,” he said.

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When asked to comment on Russia’s pledge to US President Joe Biden told reporters Tuesday that the US would “reduce” its onslaught on the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv, adding, “We’ll see. I don’t read anything into it until I see what their actions are “

“We’ll see if they follow through on what they’re suggesting,” Biden said when asked whether Russia’s apparent slowdown in military operations in Kyiv signalled the end of the war or if Russia is seeking to buy time.

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Biden also indicated that there was an agreement on his call with the leaders of France, Germany, Italy, and the United Kingdom on Tuesday morning, “let’s just see what they have to offer. We’ll find out what they do.”

“In the meantime, we’re gonna continue to keep the sanctions strong. We’re gonna continue to provide the Ukrainian military with their capacity to defend themselves and we’re gonna continue to keep a close eye on what’s going on,” Biden added.