The Russian Defense Ministry released a video showing military equipment crossing the bridge from Crimea to Russia, saying that “the echelon with military equipment of the units of the Southern Military District, moving towards the point of permanent deployment, has crossed the bridge of Crimea”.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Ministry said that “units of the Southern Military District that have completed their participation in tactical exercises in the training camps of the Crimean peninsula, are marching to their permanent deployment points. [bases] by rail.”
The video shows a variety of armored vehicles crossing the bridge at night in train cars. It is unclear where the units are headed.
“The military echelons will deliver military equipment and military personnel to the permanent deployment points of military units. Upon arrival, the equipment will be repaired and prepared for the next stage of combat training,” the ministry said.
The ministry said staff had loaded armored vehicles onto rail platforms at loading stations in Crimea. It released a video on Tuesday showing tanks being loaded at a rail yard in Crimea.
Western officials have expressed skepticism over Russian announcements that some of the troops gathered near the Ukrainian border are returning to their bases.
On Tuesday, President Biden said: “The Russian Defense Minister reported today that some military units are leaving their positions near Ukraine. That would be good, but we have not verified it yet.”