Russian soldiers in Ukraine are reorganising, not departing, according to NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg, in response to Moscow’s comments about reducing military activities surrounding Kyiv.

Stoltenberg also stated that the alliance is still not convinced that Russia is talking in good faith in the Istanbul peace talks since Moscow’s military purpose has not changed since it launched its invasion of Ukraine.

“According to our intelligence, Russian forces are relocating rather than retiring. Russia is attempting to reorganise, replenish, and strengthen its attack in the Donbas region “Stoltenberg told journalists in Brussels.

Moscow claims it is now focused on “liberating” the Donbas area, which includes two southeastern provinces partially held by rebels backed by Russia since 2014.

“Simultaneously, Russia exerts pressure on Kyiv and other cities. As a result, we should expect more offensive activities, resulting in even greater pain.”