The Unite States President Joe Biden has warned his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin against any military escalation with Ukraine.

The two leaders held direct talks via video link amid weeks of rising tensions over Russia’s military build-up near the Ukrainian border.

In a statement the White House said President Biden voiced the deep concern of the United States and its European allies about Russia’s escalation of forces surrounding Ukraine and made clear they would respond with strong economic and other measures in the event of military escalation.