"The US is not at war with Russia, and we do not seek conflict. Our focus is on providing Ukraine with the security assistance it needs to defend itself," Ryder told a briefing on Thursday answering the question on US reaction to Russia's comments regarding reports on possible US exports of Patriot air defense systems to Ukraine.
The official noted that the US would not allow "comments from Russia dictate security assistance that we provide to Ukraine."
At the same time, Ryder gave no further details regarding shipping of Patriot systems to Kiev, saying there were no new announcements to make.
Ukrainian soldiers move a U.S.-supplied M777 howitzer into position
© AP Photo / Efrem Lukatsky
On Tuesday, US media reported that the Biden administration is finalizing plans to provide Ukraine with the Patriot air defense systems amid a series of Russian strikes.
The Russian embassy in the US said in a statement that the possible delivery of Patriot air defense systems to Ukraine would be another provocative step by the Biden administration and can lead to "unpredictable consequences."