Lithuanian Prosecutors Accuse Russia of Arson Attack
Lithuanian prosecutors have formally accused Russia’s military intelligence service, known as the GRU, of orchestrating an arson attack on an Ikea store in Vilnius that took place last year. This incident has been classified by officials as “an act of terrorism.” Lithuania, a Baltic nation and a member of NATO, has remained a steadfast supporter of Ukraine since Russia’s invasion in February 2022, frequently warning against possible sabotage efforts stemming from Russia.
The Lithuanian prosecutor general’s office reported on Monday that the arson, which occurred in May 2024, was directly linked to Russian military intelligence. Although there were no reported casualties from the fire, prosecutor Arturas Urbelis emphasized the seriousness of the incident, stating, “We consider this act to be terrorism with grave repercussions.”
Identification of Suspects and Criminal Network
In the investigation, two Ukrainian nationals have emerged as primary suspects in the Ikea arson case. One suspect has been detained in Lithuania, while the other was apprehended in Poland. Urbelis shared details, declaring, “It has been established that, through a series of intermediaries, the organizers of these crimes are located in Russia, correlating with military intelligence and security forces.”
The Lithuanian authorities revealed that the individual arrested in Lithuania had entered Poland in the spring of 2024. They disclosed that during a clandestine meeting in Warsaw, he and another accomplice conspired to ignite fires and detonate explosives at shopping centers in Lithuania and Latvia in exchange for a reward of €10,000 (approximately $11,000). Urbelis noted, “More than one supermarket has been set ablaze, and not just supermarkets,” when discussing the broader implications of this criminal activity.
He also alluded to potential connections with similar incidents across the border in Poland, confirming that the identified suspects have ties to crimes committed there as well.
Poland’s Concerns About Sabotage Activities
Currently, Polish authorities are conducting around 30 investigations related to alleged preparation or execution of sabotage acts. Prosecutor Przemyslaw Nowak disclosed that there has been an increase in the activities of foreign intelligence services in Poland, especially those linked to Russia since the onset of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
He stated, “Unfortunately, we possess evidence that in Poland and beyond, there are several organized groups planning and executing sabotage acts.” These revelations raise alarm regarding the potential threat posed by such active networks operating within and across borders.
Political Reactions and Implications
In light of Lithuania’s findings, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk condemned Russia’s actions, describing it as “exceptionally perfidious” for Moscow to utilize Ukrainians for sabotage operations. He reiterated the notion that the investigation by Lithuanian authorities has corroborated longstanding suspicions about Russian involvement in such acts.
Tusk took to X to express his views, noting, “It’s good to know before negotiations. Such is the nature of this state,” alluding to the complexities of potential discussions concerning the future of the war-affected areas. His comments underscore the heightened tensions and the intricate dynamics at play in the region.
