Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered a "partial withdrawal" of troops from the border with Ukraine, BBC quoted the German government as saying.

 

 Putin informed Chancellor Angela Merkel of the move in a telephone conversation, her office said.  However, thousands of Russian troops are still said to be deployed along the border. Earlier, Ukraine condemned a visit to Crimea by Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev and a delegation of government ministers.

 

 Tensions between Russia and the West rose after the overthrow of pro-Kremlin Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych in February, following months of street protests. Later, Russia's subsequent decision to annex Crimea triggered a crisis in relations.

 

 Crimeans voted to leave Ukraine for Russia on 16 March, in a referendum condemned as illegal by the UN General Assembly.