By Afshain Afzal
The good offices of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has worked well for the peace in the Russian- Ukraine conflict. In a big surprise, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky could not believe Russian move of withdrawal despite Western propaganda of Russian strategy to trap Ukrainian forces. Transport aircrafts and military vehicles were seen withdrawing Russian troops. In a video address two days back, Ukrainian President Zelensky urged residents to wait to resume their normal lives as there can be danger of mines all around
There was visible withdrawal of Russian troops concentration from Mariupol, Kyiv and Chernihiv. Witnesses confirmed Russian withdrawal from the north of Ukraine and many other parts. Media reports confirmed that since 1 April, Russian military personnel in unions are withdrawing back outside the Ukrainian territory including Belarus. An International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) team which traveled to Mariupol confirmed about their access to the local population.
The High Commissioner of Refugees has confirmed that thousands of Ukrainian refugees from Moldova, Romania, Slovakia, Poland, Hungary and Russian Federation have started returning to their homes in Ukraine. The website of UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) regarding Ukraine Refugee situation still reflect the figure of 4,215, 047 on 3 April 2022, which is not correct. Witnesses says that those refugees who have received cash assistance from UNHCR have preferred returning to Ukraine.
Acceptance of cease fire and withdrawal by Russian forces on the orders of Russian President Vladimir Putin is due to the solo efforts of Turkish President Recep Tayyip. Turkish efforts have been appreciated throughout the world as it averted the world from witnessing a major tragedy.