US President Joe Biden has said that putting American troops on the ground in Ukraine in the event of a Russian invasion is “not on the table”, writes BBC.

But Mr Biden warned of severe consequences if Russia did invade.

He was speaking a day after two hours of talks by video link with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

The virtual summit was aimed at reducing tensions in the region after a major Russian troop build-up along Ukraine’s eastern border.

Russia has accused Ukraine of provocation, and sought guarantees against eastward Nato expansion and deployment of weapons close to Russia.

Ukrainian authorities have said Moscow could be planning a military offensive at the end of January, although US officials say it is not yet clear whether President Putin has made a decision.