Ukraine needs military support from EU, urges top official

Chairman of Ukraine's Verkhovna Rada, Oleksandr Turchynov has urged the EU to send military equipment to Ukraine during unrest in the country 

"We have stated that Russia is in war against Ukraine at full capacity," Tuchynov said in Lithuania after the meeting with President Dalia Grybauskaite.

He added: "Fighting involves not only terrorists and saboteurs funded by Russia but Russian soldiers as well. Ukrainian positions are fired upon systematically from the Russian territory, Russian weapons shoot down our aircraft. In this situation Ukraine needs support in military equipment."

The chairman of the Verkhovna Rada said the Ukraine crisis threatens  "collective security in Europe and across the world. Therefore, assistance to Ukraine today is an opportunity to stop the aggression".

Turchynov called a Russian aid convoy a 'provocation.' Russia has sent 280 trucks of humanitarian aid to Ukraine. However, Ukraine officials have said the aid convoy could be a pretext for an invasion and the trucks remain stuck at the border for inspections.

Russia has rubbished the claims and denied supporting pro Russia rebels in the country.

"The Russian convoy has solely propaganda and ideological goals. Their vehicles bring tonners of water and salt, which are not lacking in the region," said Turchynov.

"It is crucial. I believe that today is the time for all civilized governments to unite. We must stop war in Europe. If we do not do this today, then the paradigm of the new century will be aggression and war. It is unacceptable," said Turchynov.

"We are ready to defend our country. Today Ukrainian soldiers, patriots are defending not only Ukraine but peace in Europe. I am sure that with our joint efforts we will stop the aggression, and will return peace and security to Europe," said Turchynov.