Amid tensions over Ukraine, the White House said today that President Biden will call up Russian President Vladimir&nbsp;Putin on Thursday.

The White House said the two leaders will&nbsp;"discuss a range of topics, including upcoming diplomatic engagements with Russia".

The US and Russia will engage in talks in Geneva on January 10 on the Ukraine crisis after Putin's regime submitted a security draft document to the Biden administration and NATO.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/amid-tensions-with-ukraine-russia-inducts-s-550-air-defence-system-report-440960">Also Read:&nbsp;Amid tensions with Ukraine, Russia inducts S-550 air defence system</a>

Earlier this month during his phone call to Putin, President Biden had threatened large scale sanctions against Russia if the country attacked Ukraine. Ukraine has consistently reported that thousands of Russian troops have been moving into the border.

Although Russia has maintained it has no plans to invade Ukraine however Putin has asserted that Russian troops have the right to move in any part of the country.

Both the EU and NATO have warned Russia against a possible invasion. Putin had said Russia would take "appropriate retaliatory" steps against "aggressive stance" from US-led NATO forces, however, the temperatures looked to cool down after German leader Olaf Scholz's phone call to Putin.

Russian troops recently completed military drills near Ukraine even as the Russian leader said the US had reacted positively to the security proposals. &nbsp;&nbsp;

"The Biden administration continues to engage in extensive diplomacy with our European allies and partners, consulting and coordinating on a common approach in response to Russia's military build-up on the border with Ukraine," the White House said.

Putin has repeatedly said NATO should not extend its border further east bordering Russia and demanded Ukraine should not join the European military alliance, however, NATO officials haven't given any assurances to Russia so far.

(With inputs from Agencies)

Amid tensions over Ukraine, the White House said today that President Biden will call up Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday. The White House said the two leaders will "discuss a range of topics, including upcoming diplomatic engagements with Russia".

Amid tensions over Ukraine, the White House said today that President Biden will call up Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday. The White House said the two leaders will "discuss a range of topics, including upcoming diplomatic engagements with Russia". The US and Russia will engage in talks in Geneva on January 10 on the Ukraine crisis after Putin's regime submitted a security draft document to the Biden administration and NATO. Also Read: Amid tensions with Ukraine, Russia inducts S-550 air defence system Earlier this month during his phone call to Putin, President Biden had threatened large scale sanctions against Russia if the country attacked Ukraine. Ukraine has consistently reported that thousands of Russian troops have been moving into the border. Although Russia has maintained it has no plans to invade Ukraine however Putin has asserted that Russian troops have the right to move in any part of the country. Both the EU and NATO have warned Russia against a possible invasion. Putin had said Russia would take "appropriate retaliatory" steps against "aggressive stance" from US-led NATO forces, however, the temperatures looked to cool down after German leader Olaf Scholz's phone call to Putin. Russian troops recently completed military drills near Ukraine even as the Russian leader said the US had reacted positively to the security proposals. "The Biden administration continues to engage in extensive diplomacy with our European allies and partners, consulting and coordinating on a common approach in response to Russia's military build-up on the border with Ukraine," the White House said. Putin has repeatedly said NATO should not extend its border further east bordering Russia and demanded Ukraine should not join the European military alliance, however, NATO officials haven't given any assurances to Russia so far. (With inputs from Agencies)

Amid Ukraine tensions, Biden, Putin to hold phone call on Thursday

Ahead of the phone call between President&nbsp;Vladimir Putin and US President Joe Biden, the Russian president's spokesman said there is a "mood for a conversation" emphasising that differences can be resolved through talks.

"We are in the mood for a conversation, this is what we want," Putin's spokesman Dmitry Peskov said.

The White House had said earlier that President Biden is likely to offer a "diplomatic path" to President Putin in the ongoing crisis with Ukraine. Russia had recently conducted military drill as tensions continues to mount at the border.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/amid-tensions-with-ukraine-russia-inducts-s-550-air-defence-system-report-440960">Also Read:&nbsp;Amid tensions with Ukraine, Russia inducts S-550 air defence system</a>

Meanwhile, amid tensions with Ukraine, Russia’s aerospace forces received an upgraded A-50U long-range surveillance aircraft.

The aircraft can detect new types of aircraft and has the ability to guide fighter jets towards targets. The aircraft is known as a "flying radar".

Watch:&nbsp;Russian troops amass near Ukraine border

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russian-troops-amass-near-ukraine-border-440824/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The aircraft can reportedly track targets on the ground including naval targets. The development comes as Russia and US prepare to open talks in Geneva on the Ukraine crisis on January 10.

Tensions between Russia and Ukraine have escalated in the past two months with the US administration pointing out that thousands of Russian troops have amassed at the border.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-trains-civilians-to-defend-against-russian-invasion-440536">Also Read:&nbsp;Ukraine trains civilians to defend against Russian invasion</a>

President Putin has insisted that Russian troops have the right to move inside the country and has denied plans to invade Ukraine.

The Russian president said that there he is looking forward to "effective dialogue" with US President Biden as the two leaders get set to speak on the phone on Thursday.&nbsp;US president had threatened large scale sanctions against Russia during his last phone call with Putin if Russia attacked Ukraine.

(With inputs from Agencies)

Ahead of the phone call between President Vladimir Putin and US President Joe Biden, the Russian president's spokesman said there is a "mood for a conversation" emphasising that differences can be resolved through talks.

Ahead of the phone call between President Vladimir Putin and US President Joe Biden, the Russian president's spokesman said there is a "mood for a conversation" emphasising that differences can be resolved through talks. "We are in the mood for a conversation, this is what we want," Putin's spokesman Dmitry Peskov said. The White House had said earlier that President Biden is likely to offer a "diplomatic path" to President Putin in the ongoing crisis with Ukraine. Russia had recently conducted military drill as tensions continues to mount at the border. Also Read: Amid tensions with Ukraine, Russia inducts S-550 air defence system Meanwhile, amid tensions with Ukraine, Russia’s aerospace forces received an upgraded A-50U long-range surveillance aircraft. The aircraft can detect new types of aircraft and has the ability to guide fighter jets towards targets. The aircraft is known as a "flying radar". Watch: Russian troops amass near Ukraine border The aircraft can reportedly track targets on the ground including naval targets. The development comes as Russia and US prepare to open talks in Geneva on the Ukraine crisis on January 10. Tensions between Russia and Ukraine have escalated in the past two months with the US administration pointing out that thousands of Russian troops have amassed at the border. Also Read: Ukraine trains civilians to defend against Russian invasion President Putin has insisted that Russian troops have the right to move inside the country and has denied plans to invade Ukraine. The Russian president said that there he is looking forward to "effective dialogue" with US President Biden as the two leaders get set to speak on the phone on Thursday. US president had threatened large scale sanctions against Russia during his last phone call with Putin if Russia attacked Ukraine. (With inputs from Agencies)

We are in the mood for a conversation, says Russia ahead of Putin-Biden phone call

The Kremlin said on Friday that Russia and the United States had a tentative date and time for a video summit between Vladimir&nbsp;Putin&nbsp;and Joe Biden in the coming days, but that Moscow was waiting for Washington to finalise it.

Kremlin advisor Yuri Ushakov said&nbsp;Putin&nbsp;plans to tell Biden about a proposal for security guarantees that would halt the NATO military alliance's eastward expansion and end what Moscow describes as threatening weapons deployments to Russia's neighbours, including Ukraine.

"Given the tense situation, there is now an urgent need to provide us with appropriate guarantees. It simply cannot go on like this," Ushakov told reporters at a briefing.

The United States, its NATO allies and Ukraine accuse Moscow of massing troops near the Ukrainian border, and Kyiv says it fears Russia is planning an attack. Moscow denies plans to invade Ukraine, and accuses Kyiv of building up its own forces to attack territory held by pro-Russian separatists.

Russia has been pushing for top-level talks with the United States for weeks&nbsp;and has floated the idea of seeking legally-binding security guarantees from the West.

Ushakov repeated Russia's denials that it is being aggressive along the Ukrainian frontier.

"It's nonsense, there is no escalation," said Ushakov. "We have the right to move around troops on our own territory, there is absolutely no escalation (by us)."

Ushakov said any talks with Biden would take place after&nbsp;Putin&nbsp;travels to India next week.

"We have a concrete date and time for this video conference. I think it's better to wait for final agreement from the Americans. But this meeting in the format of a video conference is being fairly actively prepared," he said.

At the talks,&nbsp;Putin&nbsp;and Biden could also discuss agreements they reached at their first summit in Geneva in June, Ushakov said. Afghanistan, Iran, Libya, Syria and strategic stability might also be raised, he said.

The Kremlin said on Friday that Russia and the United States had a tentative date and time for a video summit between Vladimir Putin and Joe Biden in the coming days, but that Moscow was waiting for Washington to finalise it.

The Kremlin said on Friday that Russia and the United States had a tentative date and time for a video summit between Vladimir Putin and Joe Biden in the coming days, but that Moscow was waiting for Washington to finalise it. Kremlin advisor Yuri Ushakov said Putin plans to tell Biden about a proposal for security guarantees that would halt the NATO military alliance's eastward expansion and end what Moscow describes as threatening weapons deployments to Russia's neighbours, including Ukraine. "Given the tense situation, there is now an urgent need to provide us with appropriate guarantees. It simply cannot go on like this," Ushakov told reporters at a briefing. The United States, its NATO allies and Ukraine accuse Moscow of massing troops near the Ukrainian border, and Kyiv says it fears Russia is planning an attack. Moscow denies plans to invade Ukraine, and accuses Kyiv of building up its own forces to attack territory held by pro-Russian separatists. Russia has been pushing for top-level talks with the United States for weeks and has floated the idea of seeking legally-binding security guarantees from the West. Ushakov repeated Russia's denials that it is being aggressive along the Ukrainian frontier. "It's nonsense, there is no escalation," said Ushakov. "We have the right to move around troops on our own territory, there is absolutely no escalation (by us)." Ushakov said any talks with Biden would take place after Putin travels to India next week. "We have a concrete date and time for this video conference. I think it's better to wait for final agreement from the Americans. But this meeting in the format of a video conference is being fairly actively prepared," he said. At the talks, Putin and Biden could also discuss agreements they reached at their first summit in Geneva in June, Ushakov said. Afghanistan, Iran, Libya, Syria and strategic stability might also be raised, he said.

Putin, Joe Biden set to conduct video summit: Kremlin

Putin-Biden Summit: When Russia, US leaders talked politics

The Kremlin said Wednesday it will consider US President Joe Biden's proposal to hold a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin. 
 
In a phone call on Tuesday, Biden proposed that the two leaders hold a summit "in the near future" that would come at a time of heightened tensions between the former Cold War rivals.&nbsp; 
 
"It is early to talk about this meeting in terms of specifics. This is a new proposal and it will be studied," Putin's spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters. 
 
He added that there is still no set agenda for the summit, but said that "without a doubt bilateral ties are important" in areas of mutual interest. 
 
Tensions between Moscow and Washington have escalated in recent weeks, with Russia building up its troops on the border with Ukraine, where government forces have been fighting pro-Russian separatists since the annexation of Crimea in 2014.&nbsp; 
 
The United States and its allies have called on Moscow to withdraw its forces. 
 
"We consider the concerns of anyone -- including the United States -- regarding the movement of our armed forces on Russian territory to be unfounded," Peskov said.&nbsp; 
 
The Kremlin has repeatedly denied its involvement in the long-simmering conflict and rejected claims that it props up the separatist forces. 
 
Ties were already strained after Washington demanded the release of jailed Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny and slapped sanctions on Moscow over his poisoning in August last year.&nbsp; 
 
Peskov, however, said that Navalny was not discussed in the Putin-Biden call.&nbsp; 
 
A Kremlin statement on Tuesday said that the two leaders discussed Ukraine as well as the Iranian nuclear programme, Afghanistan peace talks and climate change.

The Kremlin said Wednesday it will consider US President Joe Biden's proposal to hold a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin. In a phone call on Tuesday, Biden proposed that the two leaders hold a summit "in the near future" that would come at a time of heightened tensions between the former Cold War rivals.

The Kremlin said Wednesday it will consider US President Joe Biden's proposal to hold a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin. In a phone call on Tuesday, Biden proposed that the two leaders hold a summit "in the near future" that would come at a time of heightened tensions between the former Cold War rivals. "It is early to talk about this meeting in terms of specifics. This is a new proposal and it will be studied," Putin's spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters. He added that there is still no set agenda for the summit, but said that "without a doubt bilateral ties are important" in areas of mutual interest. Tensions between Moscow and Washington have escalated in recent weeks, with Russia building up its troops on the border with Ukraine, where government forces have been fighting pro-Russian separatists since the annexation of Crimea in 2014. The United States and its allies have called on Moscow to withdraw its forces. "We consider the concerns of anyone -- including the United States -- regarding the movement of our armed forces on Russian territory to be unfounded," Peskov said. The Kremlin has repeatedly denied its involvement in the long-simmering conflict and rejected claims that it props up the separatist forces. Ties were already strained after Washington demanded the release of jailed Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny and slapped sanctions on Moscow over his poisoning in August last year. Peskov, however, said that Navalny was not discussed in the Putin-Biden call. A Kremlin statement on Tuesday said that the two leaders discussed Ukraine as well as the Iranian nuclear programme, Afghanistan peace talks and climate change.

Russia says will 'study' US proposal for Putin-Biden summit

Moscow said Monday it regretted that Washington did not respond to President Vladimir Putin's proposal to organise a live debate with US President Joe Biden.

"One more opportunity has been passed up to look for a way out of the dead-end in Russia-US ties," the Russian foreign ministry said in a statement. "Responsibility for that rests fully with the United States."

In an interview last week the new Democratic president agreed with an interviewer who asked if he thought the Russian leader was a "killer," prompting Putin to respond with a Russian playground chant that "he who said it, did it."

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/prepared-for-worst-kremlin-on-possible-new-cold-war-with-us-371691">'Prepared for worst': Kremlin on possible new Cold War with US</a>

On Friday, the Kremlin's spokesman, Dmitry Peskov, said Putin's offer of talks remained open and that Putin could do any time that was convenient for Biden, though the offer would not stay on the table indefinitely.

US President Biden's comments sparked the biggest crisis between Russia and the United States in years, with Moscow recalling its ambassador for consultations and warning that ties were on the brink of outright "collapse".

Moscow and Washington share a mutual distrust that flared after the Kremlin's annexation of the Crimean peninsula in 2014.

Ties deteriorated over Russia's alleged meddling in the US elections in 2016 and more recently when the West concluded that Russian opposition figure Alexei Navalny was poisoned last summer with a Soviet-designed nerve agent.

But the two countries have continued cooperation on issues of shared interest, including the Iran nuclear deal and the Afghanistan peace process.

The US Commerce Department announced this week it was toughening export restrictions imposed on Russia as punishment for Navalny's poisoning in August.

Over the past few decades Russia has rarely recalled its ambassadors.

Moscow last summoned its envoy in the US in 1998 over a Western bombing campaign in Iraq.

In 2014, during the fallout after the annexation of Crimea,&nbsp;Putin&nbsp;refused to recall a Washington envoy even after then US President Barack Obama said that the Russian leader would pay for his Ukraine policies.&nbsp;

Putin&nbsp;at the time said recalling an envoy would be a "measure of last resort".

Moscow said Monday it regretted that Washington did not respond to President Vladimir Putin's proposal to organise a live debate with US President Joe Biden. "One more opportunity has been passed up to look for a way out of the dead-end in Russia-US ties," the Russian foreign ministry said in a statement.

Moscow said Monday it regretted that Washington did not respond to President Vladimir Putin's proposal to organise a live debate with US President Joe Biden. "One more opportunity has been passed up to look for a way out of the dead-end in Russia-US ties," the Russian foreign ministry said in a statement. "Responsibility for that rests fully with the United States." In an interview last week the new Democratic president agreed with an interviewer who asked if he thought the Russian leader was a "killer," prompting Putin to respond with a Russian playground chant that "he who said it, did it." Also read| 'Prepared for worst': Kremlin on possible new Cold War with US On Friday, the Kremlin's spokesman, Dmitry Peskov, said Putin's offer of talks remained open and that Putin could do any time that was convenient for Biden, though the offer would not stay on the table indefinitely. US President Biden's comments sparked the biggest crisis between Russia and the United States in years, with Moscow recalling its ambassador for consultations and warning that ties were on the brink of outright "collapse". Moscow and Washington share a mutual distrust that flared after the Kremlin's annexation of the Crimean peninsula in 2014. Ties deteriorated over Russia's alleged meddling in the US elections in 2016 and more recently when the West concluded that Russian opposition figure Alexei Navalny was poisoned last summer with a Soviet-designed nerve agent. But the two countries have continued cooperation on issues of shared interest, including the Iran nuclear deal and the Afghanistan peace process. The US Commerce Department announced this week it was toughening export restrictions imposed on Russia as punishment for Navalny's poisoning in August. Over the past few decades Russia has rarely recalled its ambassadors. Moscow last summoned its envoy in the US in 1998 over a Western bombing campaign in Iraq. In 2014, during the fallout after the annexation of Crimea, Putin refused to recall a Washington envoy even after then US President Barack Obama said that the Russian leader would pay for his Ukraine policies. Putin at the time said recalling an envoy would be a "measure of last resort".

Russia says regrets US refusal to attend Putin-Biden live debate

The Kremlin on Friday said that it is ''prepared for the worst''&nbsp;when it was asked about the possibility of a new Cold War between the United States and Russia.

It comes after Russian President Vladimir Putin&nbsp;mocked Joe Biden for calling him a "killer", saying "it takes one to know one", as ties between Moscow and Washington sank to new lows.

US President Biden's comments sparked the biggest crisis between Russia and the United States in years, with Moscow recalling its ambassador for consultations and warning that ties were on the brink of outright "collapse".

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-joe-biden-calls-vladimir-putin-a-killer-371517/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

On Friday, the Kremlin's spokesman, Dmitry Peskov, said Putin's offer of talks remained open and that Putin could do any time that was convenient for Biden, though the offer would not stay on the table indefinitely.

"Putin said that despite everything there's no point in playing at megaphone diplomacy and trading barbs. There is a point in continuing relations," Peskov told reporters on a conference call.

He was asked about a new Cold War between the two countries.

"We, of course, always hope for the best but are always ready for the worst. As far as Russia is concerned, President Putin has clearly stated his desire to continue ties...," he said.

"But of course, we cannot take into account Biden's comments," he said, in a reference to Biden's interview with ABC News broadcast on Wednesday.

In it, Biden said "I do" when asked if he believed Putin was a killer, prompting Putin to cite a Russian children's playground chant in response saying "he who said it, did it".

Moscow and Washington share a mutual distrust that flared after the Kremlin's annexation of the Crimean peninsula in 2014.

Ties deteriorated over Russia's alleged meddling in the US elections in 2016 and more recently when the West concluded that Russian opposition figure Alexei Navalny was poisoned last summer with a Soviet-designed nerve agent.

But the two countries have continued cooperation on issues of shared interest, including the Iran nuclear deal and the Afghanistan peace process.

The US Commerce Department announced this week it was toughening export restrictions imposed on Russia as punishment for Navalny's poisoning in August.

Over the past few decades Russia has rarely recalled its ambassadors.

Moscow last summoned its envoy in the US in 1998 over a Western bombing campaign in Iraq.

In 2014, during the fallout after the annexation of Crimea,&nbsp;Putin&nbsp;refused to recall a Washington envoy even after then US President Barack Obama said that the Russian leader would pay for his Ukraine policies.&nbsp;

Putin&nbsp;at the time said recalling an envoy would be a "measure of last resort".

The Kremlin on Friday said that it is ''prepared for the worst'' when it was asked about the possibility of a new Cold War between the United States and Russia. It comes after Russian President Vladimir Putin mocked Joe Biden for calling him a "killer", saying "it takes one to know one", as ties between Moscow and Washington sank to new lows.

The Kremlin on Friday said that it is ''prepared for the worst'' when it was asked about the possibility of a new Cold War between the United States and Russia. It comes after Russian President Vladimir Putin mocked Joe Biden for calling him a "killer", saying "it takes one to know one", as ties between Moscow and Washington sank to new lows. US President Biden's comments sparked the biggest crisis between Russia and the United States in years, with Moscow recalling its ambassador for consultations and warning that ties were on the brink of outright "collapse". On Friday, the Kremlin's spokesman, Dmitry Peskov, said Putin's offer of talks remained open and that Putin could do any time that was convenient for Biden, though the offer would not stay on the table indefinitely. "Putin said that despite everything there's no point in playing at megaphone diplomacy and trading barbs. There is a point in continuing relations," Peskov told reporters on a conference call. He was asked about a new Cold War between the two countries. "We, of course, always hope for the best but are always ready for the worst. As far as Russia is concerned, President Putin has clearly stated his desire to continue ties...," he said. "But of course, we cannot take into account Biden's comments," he said, in a reference to Biden's interview with ABC News broadcast on Wednesday. In it, Biden said "I do" when asked if he believed Putin was a killer, prompting Putin to cite a Russian children's playground chant in response saying "he who said it, did it". Moscow and Washington share a mutual distrust that flared after the Kremlin's annexation of the Crimean peninsula in 2014. Ties deteriorated over Russia's alleged meddling in the US elections in 2016 and more recently when the West concluded that Russian opposition figure Alexei Navalny was poisoned last summer with a Soviet-designed nerve agent. But the two countries have continued cooperation on issues of shared interest, including the Iran nuclear deal and the Afghanistan peace process. The US Commerce Department announced this week it was toughening export restrictions imposed on Russia as punishment for Navalny's poisoning in August. Over the past few decades Russia has rarely recalled its ambassadors. Moscow last summoned its envoy in the US in 1998 over a Western bombing campaign in Iraq. In 2014, during the fallout after the annexation of Crimea, Putin refused to recall a Washington envoy even after then US President Barack Obama said that the Russian leader would pay for his Ukraine policies. Putin at the time said recalling an envoy would be a "measure of last resort".

'Prepared for worst': Kremlin on possible new Cold War with US

Russia's lower house of Parliament today approved the extension of the New <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-proposes-to-renew-new-start-nuclear-treaty-between-us-and-russia-358434">START</a> nuclear arms control treaty with the United States after the Kremlin said both countries had reached a deal to extend the pact which was signed in 2010.

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-president-biden-holds-first-call-with-russian-counterpart-putin-359665/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

All 399 lawmakers voted for the extension with no absentations. The country's upper house is due to vote on the extension later today. After the legislation is approved by both Houses it will be signed by President Putin.

The treaty which expires next week on February 5 sets the limits to the number of nuclear warheads, missiles and bombers that the US and Russia can possess.&nbsp;

The bill to extend the pact was ratified after President Putin had a phone call with new US President Joe Biden on Tuesday. "They discussed both countries’ willingness to extend New START for five years, agreeing to have their teams work urgently to complete the extension by Feb. 5," the White House had said.

"They also agreed to explore strategic stability discussions on a range of arms control and emerging security issues," the White House added.

The New START caps the number of nuclear warheads between Moscow and Washington to 1,550.&nbsp;The Russian President hailed the move saying the "extension of New START is step in the right direction".

The US had signed the pact&nbsp;during Obama's presidency. However, tensions continue between the two countries as the White House said: "President Biden made clear that the United States will act firmly in defense of its national interests in response to actions by Russia that harm us or our allies.

Biden raised other matter of concern with the Russian president including the Alexei Navalny poisoning row and the cyber attack by alleged Russian hackers who targeted US tech company SolarWinds Corp recently.

Russia's lower house of Parliament today approved the extension of the New START nuclear arms control treaty with the United States after the Kremlin said both countries had reached a deal to extend the pact which was signed in 2010.

Russia's lower house of Parliament today approved the extension of the New START nuclear arms control treaty with the United States after the Kremlin said both countries had reached a deal to extend the pact which was signed in 2010. Watch: All 399 lawmakers voted for the extension with no absentations. The country's upper house is due to vote on the extension later today. After the legislation is approved by both Houses it will be signed by President Putin. The treaty which expires next week on February 5 sets the limits to the number of nuclear warheads, missiles and bombers that the US and Russia can possess. The bill to extend the pact was ratified after President Putin had a phone call with new US President Joe Biden on Tuesday. "They discussed both countries’ willingness to extend New START for five years, agreeing to have their teams work urgently to complete the extension by Feb. 5," the White House had said. "They also agreed to explore strategic stability discussions on a range of arms control and emerging security issues," the White House added. The New START caps the number of nuclear warheads between Moscow and Washington to 1,550. The Russian President hailed the move saying the "extension of New START is step in the right direction". The US had signed the pact during Obama's presidency. However, tensions continue between the two countries as the White House said: "President Biden made clear that the United States will act firmly in defense of its national interests in response to actions by Russia that harm us or our allies. Biden raised other matter of concern with the Russian president including the Alexei Navalny poisoning row and the cyber attack by alleged Russian hackers who targeted US tech company SolarWinds Corp recently.

After Biden-Putin phone call, Russia's lower house of Parliament approves New START nuclear control treaty

putin-biden

Putin Biden, News on Putin Biden, stories on Putin Biden, articles on Putin Biden, Putin Biden stories at Wion, Putin Biden news, Putin Biden latest news

putin biden