By Rayyan Sabet-Parry and wire reports
BAFL November 20, 2014
Lithuania's President Dalia Grybauskaite has called Russia a 'terrorist state' and warns that the current conflict in Ukraine could spread further if not stopped.
"Lithuania is one of the countries that recently walked a difficult road towards the restoration of independence. We know that today Ukraine is fighting for peace in Europe, for all of us," Grybauskaite told national radio.
"If a terrorist state that is engaged in open aggression against its neighbor is not stopped, then that aggression might spread further into Europe."
The head of state emphasized that every country has a right to choose its own destiny. Lithuania and the Baltics have played key roles in the Ukraine crisis after sending tens of thousands of euros in aid to Kiev and agreeing to treating wounded Ukrainian soldiers.
Moscow, however, has denied any of its troops are actively involved inside of Ukraine.
Russian President Vladimir Putin's chief spokesman Dmitry Peskov said no Russian troops were on the ground in the Ukraine despite accusations on the contrary.
"There's some people who used to be military who are retired," Peskov told the BBC.
"I would like to remind you numerous statements by Putin saying very officially that there's no official Russian troops located on the soil on the Ukraine."
Meanwhile, Grybauskaite will visit Kiev, Ukraine next week to meet with the Ukrainian officials.
"Lithuania, as other European countries, understands that peace has to be fought for, peace has to be defended, and independence and sovereignty are untouchable. Every nation has a right to have its own state and no one can dictate how it should live, regardless of whether a country is big or small. Hence we must clearly tell the current Kremlin and the current Russian leadership that such actions will never be tolerated," said Grybauskaite.
She added: "My visit coincides not only with this difficult time for Ukraine but with our commitments since 2002 to hold Lithuania-Ukraine Presidential Council every year or every two years. This will be the format of the meeting."
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