Biden and Putin to hold call amid tensions over Ukraine ? White House

The White House said on Saturday Joe Biden would hold a call with Vladimir Putin on Tuesday, to underline US concerns about Russia's buildup of forces on the border with Ukraine.

Diplomats indicated earlier this week that Biden and Putin would talk.

A statement released on Saturday evening said the US president would "hold a secure video call" with his Russian counterpart.

"The leaders will discuss a range of topics in the US-Russia relationship, including strategic stability, cyber, and regional issues," the statement said.

"President Biden will underscore US concerns with Russian military activities on the border with Ukraine and reaffirm the United States' support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine."

Kyiv and Nato powers accuse Russia of building up troops near Ukraine, sparking fears of a possible attack. Moscow denies any such plan and accuses Ukraine of building up its own forces in its east, where Russian-backed separatists control a large part of Ukrainian territory.

The Kremlin said the two leaders would also talk about bilateral ties and the implementation of agreements reached at their Geneva summit in June.