Western nations urge Russia to de-fuse tensions with Ukraine

COLOMBO (News 1st): As Russia has increased the number of troops stationed near Ukraine's border, prompting concerns to the international community. US President Joe Biden along with UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson, and the leaders of France, Germany and Italy have reacted to Russia's decision, by holding talks via a conference call on Monday (6), where they discussed their "shared concern about the Russian military build-up",whilst pledging to back Kyiv against any aggression from Moscow. President Biden is scheduled to speak with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin through video call later today, according to the White House. Washington is not planning a US military response, However, the US will retaliate by imposing restrictions on Russia's banks or its access to global financial payment systems. Russia on the other hand, claims that it has no intention of striking Ukraine and accused the western nations of provocation. The five leaders have formed a joint strategy "to impose significant and severe harm on the Russian economy" should Russia launch an invasion.