We are getting some promising news from Russia.

A statement from Russia’s Defense Ministry says some units participating in military exercises will begin returning to their bases, but no other details on the pullback were provided.

Tuesday’s announcement comes after Russia’s foreign minister indicated the country was ready to keep talking about the security grievances that led to the Ukraine crisis.

At the same time, European leaders are heading to Ukraine and Russia to extend more diplomatic efforts.

Global investors are reacting positively to this glimmer of hope.

European benchmarks jumped in early trading Monday amid reports Russian troops may be moving away from the border with Ukraine, although Asian shares were mostly lower.

Shares surged in France, Germany and Britain, while benchmarks finished lower in Tokyo, Sydney, Seoul and Hong Kong.

Sentiment rose as the Kremlin and the West held out the possibility of a diplomatic path out of the Ukraine crisis.