The move followed expressions of concern by Russian diplomats over security in South Sudan, including attacks on helicopters operated by Russia’s military.
A Kremlin statement said an unspecified number of personnel and Mi-8MT helicopters would be withdrawn by April 1. Paal said there were four helicopters remaining after the withdrawal of another four in December.
Russia’s U.N. mission said earlier this month that Moscow was alarmed by attacks on utility helicopters operated by the Russian military for UNMISS.
“Recently the situation in providing security to the Russian helicopter crews has been deteriorating,” the mission said.
U.N. diplomats and officials told Reuters in New York that the main reason for the slow deployment of UNMISS troops to an area in South Sudan where clashes have taken place was Russia’s refusal to fly its helicopters there.
“It is clear that the reason why Russia has (grounded) the helicopters is based on the threat and the risk the troops have faced,” said Susana Malcorra, undersecretary-general of the U.N. Department of Field Support.