Russia Called 'Terrorist State' As Deadly As ISIS; Russia-China Joint Naval Exercises a Show of Force Against NATO

Lithuanian President Dalia Grybaustkaite called Russia "a terrorist state" and equally dangerous as the militant group Islamic State of Iraq and Syria. She urged the European Union to step up efforts to help Ukraine against Russian aggression. Lithuania, a former member of the Soviet Union, accused Moscow of blocking its trucks at the Russian border.

According to Reuters, trucking and trade logistics with Russia have become an important part of Lithuania's economy. Ms Grysbauskaite told Lithuania National Radio and Television that the country has survived a difficult road towards independence. She warned that Russia's "open aggression" against Ukraine might spread further in Europe if the "terrorist state" is not stopped.

The Lithuanian leader is set to meet with officials in Ukraine next week when she visits Kiev. Her country has provided aid to Ukraine since Russian hostility began last March with the annexation of Crimea. The Lithuanian government had sent financial aid to Kiev and provided treatment to wounded Ukrainian soldiers. Ms Grybauskaite has vowed on Nov 24 to provide military aid to Ukraine to help fight the Russian-backed separatists.

In an earlier interview with The Washington Post, the Lithuanian president said Russia is equally dangerous as ISIS. It was unclear from international media reports if Lithuania's military aid to Ukraine will come in the form of lethal weapons or military equipment. Ms Grybauskite also promised to help Ukraine build a modern army as she invited Ukrainian representatives to receive education at the Military Academy of Lithuania, Russia Today reports.

Russia has recently reaffirmed its position against the U.S. sending lethal weapons to Ukraine. Moscow warned that if Washington decides to supply "defensive lethal weapons", the move will be seen as a direct violation of agreements.

Russia and China plan on holding joint naval exercises in the Mediterranean Sea in 2015. Gideon Rachman, chief foreign affairs columnist of the Financial Times, believes Russia and China are trying to make an important statement about current world affairs. By holding joint military exercises in the Mediterranean, the Russians and Chinese will send the message that they can patrol in the centre of NATO since it already monitors their movements near their frontiers.