Biden warns Putin of ‘severe costs’ of Ukraine invasion in phone call

Hour long call between US and Russian presidents widely seen as last-ditch attempt to stop invasion of Ukraine

Joe Biden and Vladimir Putin talked by phone for over an hour on Saturday in what is widely seen as a last-ditch effort to fend off a Russian invasion of Ukraine which the US has warned could start as early as Wednesday.

The call brought no fundamental change" to the worsening crisis according to a senior US official, briefing reporters. The official said two leaders agreed to stay engaged in the coming days but Russia may decide to proceed with military action anyway," adding there was no evidence of meaningful" de-escalation on the Ukrainian border.