Biden contacts Putin about tensions along the border with Ukraine and proposes higher

In a phone conversation with his Russian counterpart Putin, US President Biden expressed his concerns about the situation in eastern Ukraine and the Crimea peninsula. In those areas, Russia is massing its forces. Today, NATO chief Stoltenberg called on Russia for a release Pull out forces.

In the conversation, Biden invited Putin to a summit in the coming months “in a third country” to discuss all the issues raised between countries.

The White House said it also confirmed that the United States supports Ukrainian sovereignty and territorial integrity. Biden said the United States will take firm action against steps taken by Russia against it, and election interference and cyberattacks will not be tolerated.

Thousands of soldiers along the border

The sudden build-up of Russian forces along the border with Ukraine raises concerns about renewed confrontation between Russia and Ukraine. According to the Kremlin, the mobilization of forces is essential to Russia’s security. In recent weeks, thousands of soldiers have been stationed there. Ukraine says Russia wants to escalate the conflict in the east of the country again.

In 2014, Russia annexed the Ukrainian peninsula of Crimea. This move drew international condemnation. The pro-Russian separatists also declared the republics of Donetsk and Lugansk in eastern Ukraine.

It is not known how Putin responded to Biden’s call. Also called earlier German Chancellor Merkel With Putin on the mobilization of forces. She also asked him to withdraw the troops. Putin spoke of provocations from Ukraine, which increased tensions on the frontline.