President Joe Biden told Russian President Vladimir Putin the United States and its allies would respond “with strong economic and other measures” in the event of Russian military escalation against Ukraine. The two leaders took part in a two-hour bilateral video call Tuesday, Dec. 7. The call started shortly after 10 a.m. and finished shortly after noon. According to a White House readout of the call, Biden expressed deep concerns about Russia’s escalation of forces surrounding Ukraine. Biden also reiterated his support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and called for de-escalation and a return to diplomacy, according to the readout. The two presidents tasked their teams to follow up, and the United States will do so in close coordination with allies and partners. Ukrainian officials have estimated more than 90,000 Russian troops are near its border and in Russian-occupied Crimea. U.S. officials have said the military buildup, along with …