Biden calls Ukraine's leader, pledges "unwavering support" in the face of Russian "aggression"

Moscow — President Joe Biden spoke for the first time on Friday with his Ukrainian counterpart as tension mounted between the American ally and its neighbor, Russia. The White House said Mr. Biden had confirmed to President Volodymir Zelenskyy "the United States' unwavering support for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity in the face of Russia's ongoing aggression."

Zelenskyy said in a tweet that he was "glad to talk to" Mr. Biden, and that he appreciated the "U.S. support on different levels. We stand shoulder to shoulder when it comes to preservation of our democracies." Moscow and Ukraine have exchanged hostile remarks this week as a buildup of Russian troops and military hardware near the countries' shared border stokes fears of a fresh wave of violence. A military conflict between Russian-backed separatists and Ukraine's NATO-backed army has ground on in the east of Ukraine for seven years.