NATO: 'significant pullback of Russian conventional forces' from Ukraine

BRUSSELS, Sept. 24 (UPI) -- NATO announced Tuesday that Russian troops have reduced their presence inside Ukraine.

NATO spokesman Lt. Col. Jay Janzen confirmed, "There has been a significant pullback of Russian conventional forces." Janzen declined to give a firm number of Russian forces remaining, but noted that Russian special forces are still operating in Ukraine.

"It is clear that NATO allies need to remain vigilant," Janzen said, despite the reduction.

Russia, which has denied that it has any troops inside Ukraine, has not yet commented on NATO's recent assertion.

Ukraine and Russian-backed rebels agreed on September 19 to establish a 15 kilometer buffer zone to facilitate the withdrawal of foreign fighters, mercenaries and military equipment, with oversight by the OSCE.