MOSCOW (AP) – Russia’s defense ministry says its military at the Russian air base in Syria is getting ready for some of its planes and fighter jets to return home.

President Vladimir Putin ordered the Russian military to withdraw most of its forces from Syria, timing his move to coincide with the resumption of Syria peace talks in Geneva.

The ministry says Russian personnel are loading equipment and material on cargo planes and getting ready for the withdrawal following a five-and-half-month air campaign.