US won’t make any decisions on Ukraine without consulting it: Biden

WASHINGTON

US President Joe Biden reaffirmed America’s unwavering commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity Thursday while speaking with his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky, saying no decisions would be made without first consulting it.

"President Biden made clear that the United States and its allies and partners are committed to the principle of “no decisions or discussions about Ukraine without Ukraine," the White House said in a statement.

The nearly 80-minute call with Zelensky came a day after Biden spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin regarding the tensions near Ukraine's border.

During his meeting with Putin, Biden threatened Russia with "strong economic" measures if Russia goes ahead with military aggression against Ukraine.

In his call with Zelensky, Biden reiterated the US and its allies' "deep concerns" about Russia’s aggressive actions towards Ukraine and they "would respond with strong economic and other measures in the event of a further military intervention."

Biden and Zelensky urged Moscow to de-escalate tensions and agreed that diplomacy is the best way to make meaningful progress on conflict resolution.

"President Biden underscored the readiness of the United States to engage in support of confidence-building measures to advance the implementation of the Minsk Agreements, in support of the Normandy Format," said the statement.

Earlier in the day, Russian Chief of General Staff Valery Gerasimov denied that Russia plans an invasion of Ukraine.

At a briefing for the military attaches in Moscow, Gerasimov said "information about Russia's alleged impending invasion of Ukraine is a lie."

Russia carries out all military activities on its own territory, which does not require the notification of other countries, he said.