Nato and the US say there is no sign of a withdrawal of Russian troops from areas bordering Ukraine.
The Kremlin earlier announced units in the Rostov, Belgorod and Bryansk areas would return to their permanent bases.
Correspondents say removing some of the estimated 40,000 Russian troops could help de-escalate the Ukraine crisis.
Ukrainian government forces continue to clash with pro-Russia separatists who have taken over government buildings in southern and south-eastern Ukraine.
A statement from the Kremlin had said: “In connection with the completion of the planned spring phase of military training… at ranges in Rostov, Belgorod and Bryansk regions, [President Vladimir] Putin ordered the defence minister to withdraw the troops that took part in the exercises.”
No indication was given as to troop numbers or a timetable.
However, Nato Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen said: “Unfortunately, we have not seen any evidence at all that Russia has started withdrawal.
“I strongly regret that because a withdrawal of Russian troops would be a first important contribution to de-escalating the crisis.”
Pentagon spokesman Rear Admiral John Kirby told Reuters news agency: “We have seen no indication of any movement.”
One senior US official told Agence France-Presse that Washington would want to see “clear, firm evidence of this move before we make any judgement”.
Russia has made two statements about withdrawals in the past.
Source-BBC
