Ukraine urges west to be ‘vigilant and firm’ in Russia talks

US president announces small troop deployment to eastern Europe amid fears of invasion

Kyiv has urged the west to remain vigilant and firm" in its talks with Russia, as Joe Biden announced a small troop deployment to eastern Europe amid fears Moscow could invade Ukraine.

Washington's top defence officials warned on Friday that the Kremlin had massed enough troops and hardware at the border to threaten the whole of Ukraine, but called for further diplomatic efforts to avert a horrific" conflict.