US Policy on Ukraine Unchanged After House Resolution on Lethal Aid - Psaki

WASHINGTON (Sputnik) — The United States policy on the ongoing conflict in Ukraine remains focused on a diplomatic solution, and is unchanged following the newly passed US House Resolution on arms shipments to Ukraine, US Department of State spokesperson Jen Psaki told journalists on Tuesday.

“Nothing has changed as it relates to our decision making in this area,” Psaki stated. “Our focus from the outside of the crisis has been on supporting Ukraine and on pursuing a diplomatic solution that respects Ukraine sovereignty and territorial integrity.”

The US House of Representatives passed a resolution on Monday urging President Barack Obama to send lethal defensive assistance to Ukraine.

“Certainly, we consult with Congress and, obviously, many of them have spoken to their views even prior to this resolution,” Psaki said.

Psaki also noted that Washington is constantly assessing its policies on Ukraine to ensure they are “responsive, appropriate and calibrated to achieve the objectives.”

The European Union and the United States have so far pledged non-lethal aid and military training assistance to Ukraine.

Earlier this month, Obama approved an additional $75 million aid package for Kiev, which would include providing equipment such as drones and armored vehicles.

Russia has said that providing Kiev will weapons will exacerbate the Ukrainian crisis, and goes against claims by Washington of its commitment for a peaceful resolution of the conflict.