"President Biden has made it clear that the United States, its allies and partners will respond strongly if Russia continues to invade Ukraine", - was stated by White House in a statement.

The leaders expressed support for diplomatic efforts in the bilateral dialogue on strategic stability, in NATO through the Russia-NATO Council and in the OSCE.

Read also: Kuleba explained what Russia wants to achieve with the requirements of "security guarantees"

Biden also stressed the commitment of the United States and its allies and partners to the principle of "nothing about Ukraine without Ukraine".

"He expressed support for the United States' sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine, as well as confidence-building measures to de-escalate tensions in Donbas and active diplomacy to promote the implementation of the Minsk agreements in support of the Normandy format", - was informed by the White House.

Zelensky later said that he had discussed with his American counterpart the joint actions of Ukraine, the United States and its peacekeeping partners in Europe, preventing further escalation, reform and de-oligarchization.

"The first international conversation of the year proves the special nature of our relations. We appreciate the unwavering support (of Ukraine - ed.)", - he wrote on Twitter.

In turn, the head of the President's Office Andriy Yermak noted that "the frequency of high-level contacts between Ukraine and the United States speaks of unprecedented support and full mutual understanding".

What is known

• On December 30, Biden had a telephone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin, during which the American leader called on Russia to de-escalate tensions with Ukraine and warned of a decisive response in the event of an invasion of Ukraine. The talks between the presidents lasted about 50 minutes.
• On December 29, US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken had a telephone conversation with President Volodymyr Zelensky and reaffirmed the United States' unwavering support for Ukraine's independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.
• On December 9, US President Joe Biden had a telephone conversation with Vladimir Zelensky in the evening, two days after an online meeting with Russian leader Vladimir Putin. Zelensky and Biden discussed the settlement of the situation in Donbass, the issue of Ukraine's membership in NATO, as well as Nord Stream-2.

Read us in the Telegram