Joe Biden and Vladamir Putin to hold call amid growing tension over Ukraine

The call, which was requested by Russian officials, comes as senior US and Russian officials are to hold talks on January 10 in Geneva

Vladimir Putin and Joe Biden. Picture: AP

Presidents Joe Biden and Vladimir Putin are set to discuss the Russian troop build-up near Ukraine during their second call in recent weeks amid little progress towards ending the crisis.

Ahead of the call, the White House indicated that Mr Biden would make clear to Mr Putin that a diplomatic path remains open even as the Russians have moved an estimated 100,000 troops towards Ukraine and Mr Putin has stepped up his demands for security guarantees in Eastern Europe.