Biden's call with Putin concludes - White House

WASHINGTON

US President Joe Biden has concluded a phone call with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin, the White House said Thursday.

The second call this month between the two leaders started at 3.35 p.m. Eastern time (2035GMT) and ended at 4.25 p.m. (2125GMT).

50-minute call mostly tackled tensions over Ukraine.

On Wednesday, US National Security Council spokeswoman Emily Horne said Biden would hold a phone call with Putin "to discuss a range of topics, including upcoming diplomatic engagements with Russia."

According to CNN, which cited an administration official, the call was requested by Putin and Biden accepted because "he believes when it comes to Russia, there is no substitute for direct leader-leader dialogue."

Biden joined the call from his home in Wilmington in the state of Delaware