The top U.S. diplomat is refusing to rule out allegations it was Ukraine, not Russia, which was responsible for interfering in the 2016 U.S. presidential elections.

Despite repeated findings by U.S. intelligence agencies, which puts the blame on Russia, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Tuesday if there is any information "that so much suggests" a Ukrainian attempt to interfere, it deserves attention.

"Anytime there is information that any country has messed with American elections, we not only have a right but a duty to make sure we chase that down," Pompeo told reporters during a State Department briefing.

"To protect our elections, America should leave no stone unturned," he added.

U.S. intelligence officials contacted by VOA declined comment, pointing to previous reports concluding Russia was responsible.

But allegations that Ukraine sought to interfere and sway the result in favor of Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton have been gaining momentum among a handful of U.S. lawmakers and prominent supporters of U.S. President Donald Trump.

Source : VOA