Zelensky, Macron, Merkel call for Russia to pull troops from Ukraine border | DW News

The leaders of Germany, France and Ukraine have called on Russia to pull its troops back from the Ukrainian border. Ukraine's president Volodymr Zelensky proposed a summit that would also include Moscow - which Kyiv fears is preparing an invasion. The conflict dates back to 2014, when Ukraine's pro-Russian president was ousted in a popular uprising. Moscow-backed separatists occupied the eastern Donbas region - and Russia annexed Crimea. The Kremlin says its recent military buildup is a response to Nato threats and Ukrainian provocations. More than 14,000 people have died in fighting in eastern Ukraine. Violations of a shaky truce have become increasingly frequent in recent weeks. Ukraine is gearing itself up for battle. The country's military is in better shape than it was during the war in 2014, but its fire power is no match for Russia's military might. The current build-up of troops along the Ukrainian-Russian border has been described by the U.S. and NATO as the largest there since 2014 - a cause of great concern for the Ukrainians. President Zelensky has appealed to European leaders, to call on Russia to pull its troops back from the Ukrainian border. Zelensky met Emmanuel Macron in Paris, and Angela Merkel joined by video link. Zelensky proposed a summit that also included Moscow. But so far Russia has refused calls to pull back, leaving Ukraine fearful of an open invasion.

Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/user/deutschewelleenglish?sub_confirmation=1

For more news go to: http://www.dw.com/en/ Follow DW on social media: ►Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/deutschewellenews/ ►Twitter: https://twitter.com/dwnews ►Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dwnews Für Videos in deutscher Sprache besuchen Sie: https://www.youtube.com/dwdeutsch #Ukraine #Russia #BorderConflict