Lithuanian foreign minister says West should give military assistance to Ukraine

“Judging from the information we are receiving, aggression and an undeclared war is going on. Despite all of this being denied, there’s increasing evidence from different sources, including NATO intelligence,” the minister told BNS.

According to Linkevičius, without assistance, it will be very difficult for Ukraine’s army “to withstand external aggression”.

“The Ukrainians also need humanitarian assistance we are also providing, as well as economic help. I think military assistance should also be considered,” the minister said.

“Calls for ceasefire in this situation, when the border is not safe and when terrorist groups continue receiving weapons, ammunition, heavy equipment, will not give results,” Linkevičius stressed.

Earlier in the day, Lithuania’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs called the existing situation in Ukraine “the obvious military invasion by the armed forces of the Russian Federation” and called for holding an emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council.

“I hope our colleagues as well will finally realize what is happening as the situation demands swift response from all institutions, first of all, the UN Security Council, and also other institutions,” Linkevičius told BNS.

Kiev said on Thursday that “Russian troops” had seized control of a strategically important borderline city in the south-east of the country on the Sea of Azov, which has lately been the scene of heavy battles.