Second call this month between 2 leaders started at 3.35 p.m. Eastern time in US.
WASHINGTON (AA) – US President Joe Biden’s call with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin began Thursday afternoon, according to the White House.
The second call this month between the two leaders started at 3.35 p.m. Eastern time (2035GMT), said a White House official.
On Wednesday, US National Security Council spokeswoman Emily Horne said Biden would hold a phone call with Putin “to discuss a range of topics, including upcoming diplomatic engagements with Russia.”
According to CNN, which cited an administration official, the call was requested by Putin and Biden accepted because “he believes when it comes to Russia, there is no substitute for direct leader-leader dialogue.”
The two leaders are expected to discuss tensions surrounding Ukraine after reports that Russia is amassing thousands of troops for feared cross-border aggression.
Biden is joining the call from his home in Wilmington in the state of Delaware.