Obama urges Russia to withdraw troops from Ukraine border

U.S. President Barack Obama on Friday called on Russia to withdraw troops from the border with Ukraine and begin direct talks with its neighbor.

Obama said that “a number of troops along the border groups under the guise of military exercises,” U.S. intelligence agencies reportedly cited “evidence” about the possible invasion of eastern Ukraine Moscow.

Russia earlier this week dismissed reports that he had been mobilizing troops on the border with Ukraine, after the annexation of the Crimea.

Russia’s next move is a top concern in the West after the annexed Crimea this month, while Moscow said it had no intention to split Ukraine. But Russia also spoke about the responsibility to protect Russian speakers in eastern Ukraine from attacks.