Biden expressed "deep concerns" to Putin over Ukraine, White House says

Washington — President Biden told Russian President Vladimir Putin that the U.S. and its European allies have "deep concerns" about Russia's build-up of troops near Ukraine, warning the Russian leader that the U.S. would pursue "strong economic and other measures in the event of military escalation."

The two leaders held a video call for two hours on Tuesday, after U.S. intelligence officials warned of a possible Russian invasion of Ukraine as soon as January.

"President Biden voiced the deep concerns of the United States and our European Allies about Russia's escalation of forces surrounding Ukraine and made clear that the U.S. and our Allies would respond with strong economic and other measures in the event of military escalation," the White House summary of the call said. "President Biden reiterated his support for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity and called for de-escalation and a return to diplomacy."