'Serious' talk between Biden and Putin sets stage for diplomacy
The Hindu
In a 50-minute call, their second conversation this month, U.S. President Joe Biden said he needed to see Russia decrease its military build-up near Ukraine.
U.S. President Joe Biden and Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday exchanged warnings over Ukraine but conveyed some optimism that diplomatic talks in January could ease spiraling tensions.
In a 50-minute call, their second conversation this month, Mr. Biden said he needed to see Russia decrease its military build-up near Ukraine, while Mr. Putin said sanctions threatened by Washington and allies could lead to a rupture in ties. The call was requested by Mr. Putin.
"President Biden reiterated that substantive progress in these dialogues can occur only in an environment of de-escalation rather than escalation," said White House press secretary Jen Psaki.
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