Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told a news briefing that Russia’s defence ministry had a clear timetable for the return of units to their permanent bases.

“It’s clear the grouping for the (military) exercises was built up over many weeks, and it is of course impossible to withdraw it in a single day. They can’t just take off and fly away… it takes time,” Peskov said.

“As always unfounded accusations,” he added.