Ukrainian government warns population that situation could escalate

The reason for the withdrawal of Russian troops from Kyiv and Chernihiv is not as they say, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Reintegration of the Temporarily Occupied Territories of Ukraine Iryna Vereshchuk, Report informs.

"Russia says this is a gesture on the eve of the next round of talks. In fact, this is the result of the will of our army, the authorities, and the entire Ukrainian people," she said.

Vereshchuk also warned the population that the situation could escalate:

"Therefore, we ask the people of the Kharkiv, Luhansk, and Donetsk regions to leave the cities. We need it now. Evacuation is required when the opportunity arises."

Earlier, Russian presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov commented on the withdrawal of Russian troops from northern Ukraine. He said it was a gesture.