President Joe Biden plans to speak by phone with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Sunday to reaffirm U.S. support for the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, the White House told reporters on Friday.
Russia has amassed 100,000 troops along the Ukrainian border, prompting fears of an invasion as early as next month. The scheduled call comes amid tense diplomatic discussions between the U.S. and Russia.
Both leaders will discuss Russia’s military build-up on Ukraine’s border, and review preparations for upcoming diplomatic talks to de-escalate the situation in the region, the White House said.
Biden on Thursday warned Russian President Vladimir Putin that the U.S. could impose new sanctions against the country if it takes military action against Ukraine, during a nearly hour-long call between the two leaders.
“President Biden urged Russia to de-escalate tensions with Ukraine. He made clear that the United States and its allies and partners will respond decisively if Russia further invades Ukraine,” said White House press secretary Jen Psaki in a statement Thursday.
