He added that Putin told Biden that Russia would act as the U.S. would if offensive weapons were deployed near American borders. White House press secretary Jen Psaki said Biden "urged Russia to de-escalate tensions with Ukraine" and "made clear that the United States and its allies and partners will respond decisively if Russia further invades Ukraine." Putin requested the call, the second between the leaders this month, ahead of scheduled talks between senior U.S. and Russian officials Jan. 9 and 10 in Geneva. Biden told Putin the two powers now face "two paths": diplomacy or American deterrence through sanctions, according to a senior administration official. Biden warned Putin that Moscow would face 'economic consequences like you've never seen' if it invades Ukraine.

Source: CBC News December 31, 2021 13:40 UTC