Contradicting Blinken, a Pentagon spokesperson says that if Ukraine wants, the US will continue supporting the fight to retake Crimea.
The US continues to not recognize Crimea as Russian territory.
Sputnik - US Department of Defense spokesman John Kirby stated that Washington is not encouraging the entry of Ukrainian troops into Russian territory, but that if Kiev wishes, US support for the action on the peninsula would remain.
The United States is not encouraging Ukraine to conduct military operations within the territory of the Russian Federation, John Kirby said on Thursday (16).
"In terms of any potential operations in Russia, we are neither encouraging nor permitting Ukrainian forces to do so," Kirby stated during an event at Georgetown University.
The spokesperson also stated that support for Ukraine would remain even if Kyiv expressed a desire to "retake" Crimea from Russia, since Washington has never recognized Moscow's reintegration of the territory.
The official also reiterated that the United States rejects Russian claims to other former regions of Ukraine that voted to join the Russian state.
Kirby's statement contradicts earlier assertions by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken. Blinken viewed the peninsula as a "red line" for Russian President Vladimir Putin, and said the action "could lead to a broader Russian response," as reported.
The statement comes as the United States and its allies continue to provide military support to Ukraine, including long-range weapons capable of reaching Crimea. At the same time, the United States is also assisting Kyiv with target selection and other tactical matters.
Moscow has already made it clear that any shipment containing weapons destined for Ukraine will be a legitimate target for the Russian Armed Forces.
Crimea became a Russian region in March 2014 following a referendum after the coup in Ukraine. Ukraine still considers Crimea its temporarily occupied territory, and many Western countries support Kyiv on this issue.
In turn, the Russian leadership has repeatedly stated that the residents of Crimea voted for reunification with Russia in a democratic manner, in full compliance with international law and the Charter of the United Nations.
Subscribe to 247, Support via Pix, Subscribe to TV 247, in the channel Cuts 247 and watch: