WASHINGTON, Feb 15 - U.S. President Joe Biden said Tuesday the U.S. had not verified Russia’s claim that its army had been pulling back some of its troops near Ukraine, and that an invasion was still a distinct possibility, The Associated Press reported.

In remarks at the White House, Biden promised that the U.S. would continue to give diplomacy “every chance” to prevent a Russian invasion, but he struck a skeptical tone about Moscow’s intentions. Biden also insisted that the U.S. and its allies would not “sacrifice basic principles” respecting Ukraine sovereignty.