Lithuania condemns Russia ’invasion’ of Ukraine

  • 2014-08-29
  • From wire reports, VILNIUS

(photo: delfi.lv)

Lithuania has condemned Russia's 'invasion' of Ukraine at an emergency meeting of the UN security council on Thursday.

"Lithuania condemns in the strongest terms the invasion of Ukraine's territory by the armed forces of the Russian Federation as an open and blatant violation of Ukraine's independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity, and a serious blow to peace, security and stability across the entire region and well beyond," said Lithuanian Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Raimonda Murmokaite, addressing the council

Murmokaite said Russia's actions are a 'gross violation of the UN Charter and other fundamental principles and norms of international law.'

"Ukraine does not need more Russian "humanitarian" convoys. What Ukraine needs is Russia's compliance with international law, and respect for the UN Charter. Lithuania strongly urges Russia to immediately withdraw its military forces, weaponry and equipment from the sovereign state of Ukraine; to urgently end all support to the illegal armed separatist groups," said the ambassador.

Russia has denied it has sent any convoys to eastern Ukraine. However, satellite images released by NATO on Thursday showed Russian tanks inside Ukraine, whilst it claims 1,000 Russian troops are fighting in the region.

More than 2,000 people have died in the conflict in Ukraine. Over 200,000 people have been displaced whilst fighting rages on.

"We must make sure all those who caused this tragedy must be held to account," said Murmokaite, at the emergency meeting called for by Lithuania.

Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs Jeffrey Feltman noted that the escalation of situation in Ukraine is deeply alarming and highlighted the need to reverse the dangerous escalation.

NATO released this satellite image showing Russian artillery inside Ukraine