Ukrainian minister and press run from shelling
Joe Biden has agreed to meet Vladimir Putin for talks on the condition that Russia hasn’t invaded Ukraine.
The White House has said it believes Russia appears to be continuing plans for an imminent “full-scale assault” on its neighbour.
French president Emmanuel Macron had proposed a summit with Mr Biden and Mr Putin to discuss “security and strategic stability in Europe”.
Mr Biden had accepted the meeting with Mr Putin “in principle” but only “if an invasion hasn’t happened” – the White House said.
White House press secretary Jen Psaki said: “The president has repeatedly made clear, we are committed to pursuing diplomacy until the moment an invasion begins.”
She added: “We are also ready to impose swift and severe consequences should Russia instead choose war.”
The east of Ukraine near the border to Russia has seen some shelling in recent weeks.
Two civilians were killed in shelling by Ukrainian government forces, pro-Russia separatists said as reported by Russian news agency RIA on Monday.
