Biden holds first call with Ukrainian president as concerns grow over Russian military presence

President Joe Biden on Friday held his first call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy as tensions continue over Russia's alleged military buildup in the region. 

Biden during the call "affirmed the United States' unwavering support for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity in the face of Russia's ongoing aggression in the Donbas and Crimea," the White House said in a rundown of the call. 

The president also allegedly expressed support for "President Zelenskyy's plan to tackle corruption and implement a reform agenda based on [the two countries'] shared democratic values," the White House said. 

The leaders "also discussed the importance of close United States-Ukraine cooperation to contain the COVID-19 pandemic and strengthen democracy in the region."