US condemns Putin nuclear deterrence order but cautiously welcomes talks report

• Psaki: Russia manufacturing threats to justify aggression'
• Analysis: Nuclear posturing requires west to tread carefully
• Russia-Ukraine war latest news: follow live updates

The Biden administration on Sunday condemned Vladimir Putin's decision to place Russia's nuclear deterrence forces on high alert. The White House also faced growing calls from senior Republicans to target Russia's energy sector with new sanctions.

As Russia's invasion of Ukraine entered its fourth day, the US also expressed guarded optimism over talks between delegations from the two countries set to take place inside Ukraine, near the Belarusian border, on Monday.