US Vice President Joe Biden threatened that Russia could face “further costs” if it continues “on its current course” over the crisis in Ukraine.

US Vice President Joe Biden threatened that Russia could face “further costs” if it continues “on its current course” over the crisis in Ukraine.

In a phone conversation with Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko on Wednesday, the two said they would “stay in touch” ahead of a meeting of European Union leaders slated for June 27.

"The vice president noted that the US would work with our partners to impose further costs on Russia if it continued on its current course," the White House said in a statement.

Biden’s threat of further costs on Russia comes a few days after US Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs Victoria Nuland told a think tank in Washington that the US has closed ranks with its European allies to impose further sanctions on Russia.

The United States has imposed sanctions against some Russian individuals and entities, including SMP Bank and Bank Rossiya. However, despite repeated threats, Washington has not yet announced any sanctions that would target key sectors of the Russian economy.