Lithuania calls on EU to arm Ukraine amid crisis

  • 2014-09-01
  • From wire reports, VILNIUS

Lithuanian President Dalia Grybauskaite (photo: twitter)

Lithuania's President Dalia Grybauskaite has called on EU member states to provide Ukraine with military support amid the crisis in the country.

Speaking at a special meeting of the European Council this weekend, the head of state claimed Russia had started a war against Europe after sending in troops to the east of the country.

The Presidents comments come after Ukraine said Russia had sent in military troops to the east of the country last week. Russia has denied the claims.

"The time has come to consider imposing an arms embargo on the existing transactions with Russia and providing Ukraine with military support," Grybauskaite said.

"It was not only a blatant violation of international law, the president said, but also a serious threat to the security of the whole of Europe.:

Grybauskaite said it was inexcusable for EU countries to betray their values and security because of practical benefit and to arm the aggressor with sophisticated military equipment which can be directly used both against Ukraine and EU member states.

Estonia condemns violence in east

Estonia's Foreign Minister Urmas Paet has said violence against civilians in the Ukraine is unacceptable.

It follows after a UN report stated that on average 40 civilians were killed every day amid the conflict.

“We have to do everything in our power to protect civilians,” said Paet.

Paet stated that those fleeing the armed conflict should be granted a safe passage from the country. Orphans, the elderly and the disabled were not being evacuated 

“Russia will also have to cease sending arms to Ukraine and to start monitoring activities on the border in co-operation with Ukraine.” added Paet.