Biden, Putin to hold call as Russia-Ukraine tension smolders
By AAMER MADHANI
Associated Press
WILMINGTON, Del. (AP) — Presidents Joe Biden and Vladimir Putin are set to discuss the Russian troop buildup at the Ukrainian border. Thursday’s call will be their second in recent weeks amid little progress toward ending the smoldering crisis. The White House indicates Biden will make clear to Putin a diplomatic path remains open, with talks between senior U.S. and Russian officials scheduled for next month in Geneva. The Russians have moved an estimated 100,000 troops toward Ukraine, and Putin has stepped up his demands for security guarantees precluding NATO from expanding to Ukraine. A Kremlin spokesperson says Thursday’s call was set up on Putin’s initiative to prepare for the upcoming talks.
