In view of the tension on Ukraine’s eastern border, US President Joe Biden held virtual talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin for two hours yesterday. The US has said that President Biden has expressed serious concern over the gathering of Russian troops near Ukraine. Earlier, Russia had said that talks were necessary given the level of tension.
Russia has sent thousands of troops to the border but has said it has no plans to attack Ukraine. Russia wants Ukraine to give guarantees about not joining NATO, but Western countries say Ukraine’s sovereignty should be respected.
In a statement issued from the White House after the talks between the two leaders, it has been said that President Biden has expressed serious concern about the deployment of Russian forces around Ukraine by the US and EU allies. He has made it clear that the United States and its allies will respond to any military action in the form of strong economic and other measures.