American President Joe Biden will hold a video conference with Moscow in an attempt to defuse tensions at the Russian-Ukraine border, where Russian troop activity is reported to be at its highest for the past two months, prompting fears of a new invasion of Ukraine since the annexation of Crimea in 2014.
Putin's actions have been closely watched by countries in the European Union, and EU leaders who have been in touch with America. Germany, Italy and Britain have already called for a de-escalation of tensions along the Ukraine border while America is also expected to pursue further sanctions against Russia in case of any further aggressions.
America is in consultation with NATO allies and EU partners, on a "coordinated and comprehensive approach," the White House said in a public statement. In addition to this specific sanctions were also being drawn up in case of an invasion, the Biden administration said.
Satellite images released in October showed masses of Russian troops moving along the border with Ukraine and gathering to march in several areas, prompting feRs of a new invasion. Ukraine's claims of invasion have been rubbished by Moscow which has raised counter-accusations of Ukranian forces building their own bases in the East.
Since the Russian annexation of Crimea, Russian-backed separatists have engaged in constant conflict with the Ukranian government. Ukraine is a point of interest for both Russia and the West, given its shared culture and history as a former Soviet Union member and it's independence from Russia which the West sees as a buffering influence in the region.