Biden to speak with Putin amid Russia?s increased presence near Ukraine

Joe Biden will speak on Thursday with Vladimir Putin regarding the Russian leader's increased security demands in eastern Europe.

The two leaders will discuss a range of topics, including "upcoming diplomatic engagements in Russia", said US national security council spokesperson Emily Horne in a statement announcing the call.

Thursday's talks come at the request of Russia amid Russia's increased security presence near Ukraine as the US and its allies watch on warily. The buildup of Russian troops near the Ukrainian border has grown to an estimated 100,000 and has fueled fears that Moscow is preparing to invade Ukraine.

"This dialogue should, and we expect will, proceed on the basis of reciprocity. There will be topics where we can make meaningful progress and topics where we will have differences. That's the nature of diplomacy," said a senior Biden administration official in a background press call.

On Wednesday, the US secretary of state, Antony Blinken, spoke with the Ukrainian president, Volodymyr Zelenskiy.

According to state department spokesman Ned Price, Blinken "reiterated the United States' unwavering support for Ukraine's independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity in the face of Russia's military buildup on Ukraine's borders".

Earlier this month, Biden and Putin held a virtual summit regarding the Ukraine crisis but made little apparent headway.