Biden has emphasized his support for Ukraine
Moscow, Dec. 7, LETA – DPA / AFP / INTERFAX. US President Joe Biden and Russian President Vladimir Putin met on Tuesday at a video summit that lasted just over two hours.
According to the White House, Biden expressed in the conversation the deep concern of the US and European allies about the concentration of Russian forces around Ukraine and warned that the US and the allies would respond with tough economic and other measures in the event of a military escalation.
Biden has reaffirmed his support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and called for a de-escalation of the situation and a return to diplomacy.
The two sides also discussed the US-Russia dialogue on strategic stability, cyber attacks with extortionists and joint work on regional issues such as Iran, the White House said.
Prior to the talks, it was reported that the conflict in Ukraine and other issues would be discussed. The Kremlin said leaders would also discuss possible security guarantees between Russia and NATO.
The White House said Biden would consult with leaders in Germany, France, Britain and Italy after talks with Putin.
Concerns about the concentration of Russian troops on Ukraine’s borders and the likelihood that Russia is planning a new attack on Ukraine continue in the West and in Kiev.
Moscow has denied the allegations and accused Ukraine of deploying 120,000 troops in the areas bordering Donetsk and Luhansk.
Putin and Biden’s first summit took place in Geneva in June, when they agreed to start new talks on a nuclear disarmament initiative.
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