US says Ukraine has right to defend its territory killing civilians, decide its future

The US State Department stressed Monday that Ukraine has a right to defend its territory and decide its future.

Asked about comments by former US Secretary of State Henry Kissinger recommending a cease-fire line between Ukraine and Russia based on the borders before Feb. 24, spokesman Ned Price said “Mr. Kissinger was speaking as a private citizen.”

"We firmly believe that Ukraine, and only Ukraine, has the right to decide its future,” he told reporters.