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U.S. not decide on lethal support to Kiev: spokeswoman

Xinhua, February 3, 2015 Adjust font size:

The United States has not decided whether to provide lethal assistance to Kiev as it evaluates options on how to support the Ukrainian government against pro-Russian rebels, a State Department spokeswoman said on Monday.

"We haven't taken options on or off the table. It's an ongoing discussion. Obviously, we take into account events on the ground," said spokeswoman Jen Psaki at the daily briefing of reports which said that the White House was taking a fresh look at whether to arm Ukrainian forces with lethal weapons.

"Our focus does remain on pursuing a solution through diplomatic means. And we are always evaluating other options that will help create space for a negotiated solution to the crisis," Psaki said.

The latest round of peace talks on the Ukrainian crisis ended Saturday in the Belarussian capital of Minsk without an agreement as conflicts between Ukrainian forces and pro-Russian rebels still rages on.

As many as 180 pro-Russia fighters in eastern Ukraine were killed during the fighting of the last 24 hours, while government forces lost five soldiers, local authorities said Monday.

U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry will travel to Kiev on Thursday for talks with the Ukrainian government. According to State Department officials, Kerry will be open to discussion of providing lethal aids to Ukrainian forces. Endite