Lithuania's prosecutors have linked a recent arson incident at an Ikea store in Vilnius to Russia's military intelligence, marking it as a significant act of terrorism amid ongoing tensions in the region.
Lithuania Blames Russian Intel for Ikea Store Arson in Vilnius
Lithuania Blames Russian Intel for Ikea Store Arson in Vilnius
Lithuanian authorities allege a Russian military intelligence service orchestrated an arson attack on an Ikea store, claiming it's part of broader sabotage operations in Europe.
Lithuania's prosecutors have announced that Russia's military intelligence service, known as the GRU, is responsible for an arson attack on an Ikea store in Vilnius that occurred last year. The operation has led to the arrests of two teenagers, one in Lithuania and another in Poland, with prosecutors branding the incident as "an act of terrorism." According to Arturas Urbelis, chief prosecutor, investigations suggest that intermediaries indicate a connection to Russian military intelligence and security services.
In response, Poland's Prime Minister Donald Tusk expressed satisfaction at Lithuania’s confirmation of allegations regarding fires at shopping centers in both Vilnius and Warsaw being orchestrated by Russian secret services. His statement on social media emphasized the significance of this information ahead of impending negotiations.
Russia has consistently refuted such claims made by NATO member states, denying involvement in sabotage activities across Europe. This incident follows a series of suspicious fires linked to Russia, including an occurrence last July targeting courier companies throughout Europe.
Security experts have characterized this activity as part of a systematic campaign of "hybrid warfare," aimed at destabilizing European support for Ukraine amidst the ongoing conflict triggered by Russia's invasion, which commenced in February 2022. While the arson attack in Vilnius in May did not result in any injuries, a similar arson effort devastated a shopping mall in Warsaw that same month.
According to prosecutor Urbelis, the two suspects, both minors, had convened secretly in Warsaw, where they agreed to set fire to stores in Lithuania and Latvia in exchange for monetary rewards of approximately €10,000 (about $11,000) and a BMW vehicle. This alarming revelation adds to the narrative of deliberate acts of chaos being fostered by Russian intelligence.
