Joe Biden threatened Vladimir Putin that the US response to any Russian invasion of Ukraine would be harsh, while the Russian president warned his US counterpart that imposing unprecedented new sanctions on the US and its allies would be a "huge colossus". which could cause a rupture in their relationship.
Nevertheless, the Russian side announced that Mr. Putin is "satisfied" after the 50-minute "serious" discussion with Mr. Biden. Both leaders praised diplomacy, which they believe could offer a way out of the crisis. But the White House resident insisted that any diplomatic progress goes through "de-escalation" in Ukraine.
Joe Biden spoke with his Russian counterpart - for the second time in less than a month - from Wilmington, his stronghold in Delaware, where he spends the holidays. Russia's spokesman's spokeswoman Jen Psaki was quoted as saying by Russian President Vladimir Putin.
For its part, the Kremlin demanded "results" and that its demands for security "guarantees" be met, two conditions it has proposed that redefine balance and security architecture in Europe, to be addressed at the forthcoming Russia-US talks on May 10. January in Geneva.
For Moscow, Russia's security goes beyond the ban on NATO enlargement to the east, which it perceives as an existential threat, and the end of Western military activities near the Russian border.
"Meeting these demands is the only way to prevent escalation of tensions," said Moscow, who sees US, NATO and EU support for Ukraine in particular as a direct threat to its security and interests.