UK warns of ‘unprecedented sanctions’ against Russia as Biden says west is united on Ukraine

Virtual meeting between western powers comes as the US put 8,500 troops on alert and as France prepares to host a meeting of Russian and Ukrainian officials

US president Joe Biden has insisted there was total" unity among western powers after crisis talks with European leaders on how to deter Russia from an attack against Ukraine, as Downing Street warned of unprecedented sanctions" against Moscow should an invasion take place. .

I had a very, very, very good meeting - total unanimity with all the European leaders," Biden told reporters shortly after finishing a one hour and 20 minute video conference on Monday with allied leaders from Europe and Nato.