Biden warns Putin of ‘severe costs’ of Ukraine invasion in phone call

Joe Biden and Vladimir Putin talked by phone for over an hour on Saturday in what is widely seen as a last-ditch effort to fend off a Russian invasion of Ukraine which the US has warned could start as early as Wednesday.

The call brought "no fundamental change" to the worsening crisis according to a senior US official, briefing reporters. The official said two leaders agreed to stay engaged in the coming days "but Russia may decide to proceed with military action anyway," adding there was no evidence of "meaningful" de-escalation on the Ukrainian border.

In Moscow, Yury Ushakov, a senior foreign policy adviser, called the conversation between the leaders "balanced and businesslike" and confirmed "the presidents have agreed to continue contacts at all levels".

But he rejected US claims that a Russian attack was imminent. "Hysteria has reached its peak," Ushakov said.

A White House statement said that during the call Biden made clear if Russia undertakes a further invasion of Ukraine the US and allies "will respond decisively and impose swift and severe costs on Russia". It added that the US was "prepared to engage in diplomacy" but "are equally prepared for other scenarios".

"Whatever Russia decides, our assessment is that their efforts to improve their strategic position are already failing and that this will only be exacerbated should they decide to take military action," the senior US official added.

Earlier in the day, Emmanuel Macron held a separate conversation with the Russian leader, which was reported to have lasted one hour and 40 minutes, in which the French president said a "sincere dialogue" was incompatible with the escalating tensions, as Russia continued to move troops from staging areas to positions closer to the border. Moscow did not immediately publish its version of the call.