The United States and Germany have agreed to call on Russia to reduce its troops on the border with Ukraine.

During a phone conversation between US President Joe Biden and German Chancellor Angela Merkel, both the leaders agreed that reducing the number of Russian troops there would help bring 'a de-escalation" of tension in the region.

Both the leaders expressing concern about the build-up of Russian troops on Ukraine's borders and in occupied Crimea reaffirmed their support for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity.