"Tomorrow, we will start withdrawing NBC protection troops from Italy. I ask the chief of the General Staff to organize a solemn reception of the interservice teams, and to provide me with offers on stimulation for the distinguished military, doctors and all those who engaged in the disinfection of Italy's cities and facilities," Shoigu said.
Since March 22, 15 Russian military aircraft, carrying virology and epidemiology experts of the Defence Ministry, have arrived in Italy to assist the coronavirus response and deliver equipment for diagnostics and disinfection.
As the number of active coronavirus cases in Italy continues to decline, the country has recently reported its lowest daily increase in the COVID-19 death toll since mid-March.
However, citizens will have to wait until 18 May to see retail stores and museums open, and beauty salons, hairdressers, bars and restaurants will only open on 1 June.
Once being one of the hardest-hit countries, as of Wednesday, Italy has nearly 212,000 confirmed coronavirus cases and more than 29,000 fatalities.
