Some Russian military stationed near Ukraine have returned to their posts.

As part of a de-escalation strategy, some soldiers in Russia's military districts next to Ukraine have returned to their posts, according to reports.

European Union Commissioner for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Olaf Scholz arrived in Moscow on Tuesday for a high-stakes mission to avoid a war with Russian President Vladimir Putin, saying that the West's message to Putin will be that it is open to dialogue about Russia's security concerns but that it will impose sanctions if Russia invades Ukraine.

The Interfax news agency said that some soldiers in Russia's military districts next to Ukraine have returned to their bases after finishing training. The action, according to Russia's defence ministry, might help to de-escalate tensions between Moscow and the West.

In the face of a military buildup on Ukraine's border, NATO's top commander welcomed indications that Russia may be seeking a diplomatic solution. However, the commander encouraged Moscow to show its willingness to act.

It seems that Moscow is encouraging the continuation of diplomatic efforts. This provides reason to be cautiously optimistic. The Russian side has not shown any signs of de-escalation on the ground, though, according to NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg, speaking to reporters ahead of a two-day meeting of the alliance's defense ministers in Brussels.

The Russian military has created a combat force in and around Ukraine that hasn't been seen since the end of the Cold War. Everything has now been put in place for a fresh offensive.

According to Stoltenberg, "Russia still has time to pull back from the edge, to stop preparing for conflict, and to begin working for a peaceful settlement." He described the present situation as "the most severe security crisis Europe has faced in decades."

According to an Israeli journalist, Israel has rejected Ukraine's request to purchase Iron Dome missile defense systems.

According to Nadav Eyal, a well-known Israeli journalist and novelist, Israel has refused to sell Ukraine its Iron Dome missile defense system.

Eyal said in a commentary for the Israeli newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth that Israel's unwillingness to offer Ukraine with the technology is motivated by a desire to avoid upsetting Russia.

Israel declined to provide Ukraine the Iron Dome missile defense system in order not to anger the Russians, as part of its determination to avoid participation in the situation between Russia and Ukraine at all costs."

SOURCE: NEWS AGENCIES