An apparent partial Russian pullback from the Ukrainian border area is being met with skepticism from US and European leaders.

Ukrainians flew their national flag in response to a call for a show of unity on Wednesday from President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

The day before, Russia's defence ministry released a video of tanks being loaded onto a train.

It said some troops were returning to their bases from border areas after completing drills.

But Western leaders are not convinced that the crisis is over.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said, "You've got more battalion tactical troops actually being brought closer to the border with Ukraine, according to the intelligence that we're seeing."

US President Joe Biden said, "Right now, Russia has more than 150,000 troops encircling Ukraine and Belarus and along Ukraine's border. An invasion remains distinctly possible."

Ukrainian authorities said on Wednesday that hackers had attacked defense ministry and military websites. Two banks were also targeted. The authorities didn't say who was behind the attacks.

In Moscow, the lower house of parliament is calling on President Vladimir Putin to recognize two breakaway regions in eastern Ukraine as independent.

Russian-backed armed groups occupied the areas after Russia annexed Crimea 8 years ago.

A Japanese expert on foreign relations says he believes the parliament is working closely with the Kremlin to increase pressure on Kyiv.

He believes Moscow will continue talks with Western nations while maintaining or even raising tensions.

Abiru Taisuke of Sasakawa Peace Foundation said, "Russia's joint military drill with Belarus will end on Sunday. The Beijing Winter Olympics will end on the same day. But Moscow is sending out clear signals at this point that it is ready to hold dialogue to ease tensions. So it is not likely that Russia will take any immediate action on Sunday."

Foreign ministers from the Group of Seven countries are planning to meet in Munich this weekend to discuss the crisis. They are expected to coordinate a response to a possible Russian invasion, including potential sanctions.

Prime Minister Kishida Fumio is keeping up his diplomatic push too. He talked with British Prime Minister Boris Johnson by phone on Wednesday.

Kishida said, "We reaffirmed our commitment to supporting Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity. We also confirmed that we cannot tolerate a change to the status quo brought about by force."

The leaders agreed to work closely to deescalate tensions within a diplomatic framework.