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Vladimir Putin on a visit to the Russian Navy in the Black Sea (archive image)
Photo: SPUTNIK / via REUTERS
US President Joe Biden has assured his Ukrainian colleague Volodymyr Selenskyj that he can count on America's "unwavering support" for the country's sovereignty and integrity.
Both presidents made their first phone call on Friday since Biden took office in January.
The White House issued a statement accusing Russia of "continuing aggression" in Donbass and the Crimea.
Shortly before, Russia had warned the West against sending troops to Ukraine.
"Such a scenario would undoubtedly lead to a further increase in tensions near the Russian borders," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told journalists on Friday.
"Of course, this would require additional measures on the Russian side to ensure Russian security."
Peskov spoke out one day after Ukraine and the US accused the Moscow government of threatening behavior.
According to Zelenskyj, Russia has recently increased its troop presence on the border with Ukraine.
On Friday, the Russian army also announced an anti-drone exercise near the Ukrainian border.
"Ready for retaliation"
British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said on Friday that he was seriously concerned about the current Russian military activity threatening Ukraine.
Ukrainian President Zelenskyis said his country's army was "ready to retaliate."
US President Biden had assured him that Ukraine would not be "left alone" in view of the threat from Russia.
Relations between Russia and Ukraine are heavily strained.
Russia annexed the Ukrainian peninsula of Crimea seven years ago.
The EU and the USA have imposed sanctions on Russia for the annexation.
In addition, Russia has had a conflict over eastern Ukraine since 2014.
More than 13,000 people were killed here.
In July last year, the conflicting parties agreed on a ceasefire.
But since mid-February there has been increased fighting.
wal / dpa / AFP / Reuters
