NATO Takes Note Of Russia's De-Escalation, but Keeps a Close Eye on the Situation

LOCAL NEWS

• NATO takes note of Russia's decision to pull back troops from Crimea, "We have taken note of the statement by Defense Minister Shoigu. Any de-escalation steps on the part of Russia would be important and long overdue.
  • " NATO remains vigilant and we will continue to closely monitor the unjustified build-up of Russian military capabilities in and around Ukraine."
• Putin says he is ready to discuss bilateral relations with Ukraine's Zelensky in Moscow any time
• US Ambassador to Russia John Sullivan arrives in Washington. Russian FM Spox hopes he will be able to work out a position that does not see relations deadlocked during his consultations in Washington
• White House Spox Psaki reiterated overnight that US retains the "right to impose new sanctions on Russia in the future.
  • The Presidential decree allows us to do this." Also called for medical care for Navalny
• Navalny's doctors urge him to immediately end his hunger strike to preserve his life and health as if it continues he risks dying.
  • Russia's Human Rights Commissioner, however, says Navalny's detention conditions comply with Global standards and his medical condition is satisfactory