WASHINGTON – President Joe Biden will warn Russian leader Vladimir Putin that the U.S. is prepared to impose severe economic countermeasures if Moscow carries out an attack on Ukraine, a senior administration official told reporters Monday.

This video conference, scheduled for Tuesday at 2:00 PM, takes place against an elevated backdrop of tensions that have been sparked in part by the alarming deployments of Russian troops along Ukraine’s borders.

The official said that these movements were consistent with plans for military escalation of Ukraine. He declined to identify himself in order not to reveal details about the call between Biden, Putin.

The official stated that they had held intensive talks with their European counterparts about how to respond in case of an escalation by Russia in Ukraine’s military. “We think we have a pathway forward which would require substantial economic countermeasures both by Europe and the United States, that would impose severe and serious economic harm to the Russian economy, if they chose to continue.”

Officials from the Administration declined to answer whether or not they would direct military action against Russia in case there was an invasion.

Ukraine recently warned Washington, Europe and allies about Russian troops occupying its eastern borders. It is an incident that mirrors Moscow’s invasion in Crimea, 2014. International outrage erupted after the annexation and resulted in a number of sanctions against Moscow. Soon after the invasion began, an uneasy war broke out between Russian-backed separatists and government forces in Eastern Ukraine.

To be clear, it is not known if Putin has taken a decision to escalate military tensions in Ukraine. “But we do know that President Putin is setting up the ability to engage with such escalation if he chooses to do so,” said a top Biden administration official.

The official said, “We have seen the Russian strategy before,” referring to 2014 when Russia invaded Ukraine.

The Kremlin dismissed all suggestions that Moscow was planning to attack Ukraine, and insisted on the right of its troops to be deployed on its territory.

Ukraine used Russian aggression in the past to justify its move to become a member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. This is the most powerful military alliance on the planet. Ukraine stated in 2002 it wanted to become a NATO member. Moscow has described Ukraine’s aspiration to join the alliance as a “redline.”

Dmitry Peskov, a Kremlin spokesperson, described Monday’s state of relations between Russia and the United States as “lamentable”. He also reiterated Moscow’s opposition to NATO expansion.

“The tension around Ukraine will be addressed and NATO’s close proximity to our borders, discussed. And President Putin’s initiative on long-term guarantees of Russia’s security. “All of these subjects will be discussed,” Peskov stated at a preview conference.

He said, “Ofcourse, we will discuss the bilateral relations which are still at a lamentable stage.”

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg urged Moscow last week to reduce tensions. He also reiterated the alliance’s support for Ukraine’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and “remains unwavering.”

Ukraine is an independent sovereign nation. Every sovereign nation is free to decide its own course, and what security arrangements they want to join. “It is up to Ukraine along with its 30 allies when Ukraine is ready for the alliance.” Stoltenberg said during a NATO meeting in Riga, Latvia.

“[Russia]Stoltenberg stated that Stoltenberg has no power to veto or interfere with the process.