(ANSA) - TRIESTE - They call themselves Blue-Yellow Movement, a group of Lithuanian volunteers that help Ukrainian government forces in their struggle against pro-Russian rebels by supplying non-lethal military aid, such as night-vision goggles, helmets, bullet-proof vests and telescopic sniper sights. The Lithuanian government is aware of the Blue-Yellow Movement's activities, none of which is thought to be illegal. There is technically no international embargo that prevents these items from being distributed in Ukraine, especially as they are donations.

According to AP, since the conflict began, millions of euros have been pumped into Ukraine by Lithuania, with regular fund raising events. The government has also helped with more than 8.5 million euros aid to Ukraine, according to Foreign Minister Linas Linkevicius. Defense Minister Raimundas Karoblis assured Ukrainians that Lithuania would continue supporting its resistance against Russian separatist aggression. Hundreds of wounded soldiers are treated at Lithuanian hospitals, and children from the war zone are brought to schools in the Baltic country. Lithuania has no border with Ukraine, but like its Baltic neighbours it shares a frontier with Russia: the exclave of Kaliningrad, which Moscow uses as a major Baltic military base.

A Blue-Yellow Movement volunteer told AP that "if we don't help stop the Russians in Ukraine, they will eventually come to get us too. We have worked in Ukraine for several years now. We know the needs, who needs it and how to provide it". (ANSA).