Russia agreed to begin withdrawing from Georgian bases later this Summer. The bases were leftovers from the Soviet Union and staffed to help the Georgian government survive separatist rebel activity. Russia fears that Georgia is turning to the West and that one day these bases will be used by NATO forces. Outside St Petersburg, a major ammo dump that exploded last month, apparently had another accident. Dozens of fire trucks responded to the multiple explosions at the dump. In Chechnya, three rebel leader appeared on local TV, urging rebels to end armed resistance and work with the new (Russian appointed cleric) leader of the province. Russia has also ceased heavy use of bombing and artillery in the region, to encourage rebel surrenders and boost civilian morale. Russia has publicly announced that the Chechnya war is over.