The US says it is preparing “strong economic and other measures” over fears of a Russian invasion of Ukraine, after Joe Biden and Vladimir Putin spoke.
In a video call, President Biden voiced worries over Russian troop build-ups near the border with Ukraine and called for a de-escalation of tensions.
Russia says it will not attack.
President Putin accused Ukraine of provocation, and sought guarantees against eastward Nato expansion and deployment of weapons close to Russia.
More than 90,000 Russian troops are believed to be massed near Ukraine’s borders. The movement has strained already tense relations between Russia and the US.
After Tuesday’s call, US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan said the Biden administration was preparing specific robust responses in the weeks ahead of they were required.
These measures include economic sanctions and other actions such as additional troop deployments to Nato allies in the region and defence equipment for Ukraine.
Sullivan refused to be drawn on what the economic measures might be. But he said Noord Stream 2, a new gas pipeline from Russia to Germany, which is not yet in operation, provided “leverage” for the US and its allies.
“If Vladimir Putin wants to see gas flow through that pipeline, he may not want to take the risk of invading Ukraine,” he said.
