Secretary of State Antony Blinken suggested the claims were dubious, noting Tuesday the United States has not seen “real seriousness” from the Russians on this point.

Pentagon Press Secretary John Kirby indicated the whole claim is likely an invention as well. “We’re not ready to buy the argument that this is a Russian withdrawal,” Kirby said in a press briefing.

So far, all signs point to Russia regrouping—not withdrawing, according to the Pentagon. Russia has pulled back 20 percent of its forces from Kyiv to resupply and refuel, but not return home, the Pentagon said Wednesday.

Russia’s claim that it is pulling back coincides with negotiations between Russia and Ukraine in Turkey, where Russia said it would be withdrawing “to increase mutual trust and create the necessary conditions for further negotiations.”