Two Ukrainian suspects are facing charges of arson at an Ikea store in the Lithuanian capital, which prosecutors believe was instigated by Russian intelligence.
The fire ripped through the Ikea store in Vilnius on the night of May 9, 2024.
“The organizers of these actions are Russia. It is linked to military intelligence, to the security forces,” Artūras Urbelis, chief prosecutor at the Organized Crime and Corruption Investigation Department of the Prosecutor General’s Office, told state broadcaster LRT.
The charges are filed under three articles of the Criminal Code, namely, for committing a terrorist act, training for terrorism and illegal disposal of explosives,” he continued.
An investigation into the fire alleged it had been started by two individuals, both Ukrainians under 20 years of age, one of whom was a minor, LRT reported.
One suspect is currently detained in Poland, and the Lithuanian authorities were coordinating with Polish investigators, Urbelis said.
“The indictment has been signed, and the case is going to the Vilnius Regional Court,” said Urbelis.
Last week, Polish prosecutors charged a Belarusian national with setting fire to a large DIY store in Warsaw last year. Stepan K. faces 10 years to life in prison on sabotage and terrorism charges.
“Moreover, it was established that the suspect Stepan K. committed the above arson acting for foreign intelligence, i.e., the intelligence of the Russian Federation, and on the order of the Russian special services,” prosecutors said.
Poland’s prime minister, Donald Tusk, posted on X on Monday that Lithuania’s investigation confirmed Poland’s suspicions that Russia was responsible for both acts and suggested this may be useful in any negotiations with Moscow.
“The organizers of these actions are Russia. It is linked to military intelligence, to the security forces,” Artūras Urbelis, chief prosecutor at the Organized Crime and Corruption Investigation Department of the Prosecutor General’s Office, told state broadcaster LRT.
The charges are filed under three articles of the Criminal Code, namely, for committing a terrorist act, training for terrorism and illegal disposal of explosives,” he continued.
An investigation into the fire alleged it had been started by two individuals, both Ukrainians under 20 years of age, one of whom was a minor, LRT reported.
One suspect is currently detained in Poland, and the Lithuanian authorities were coordinating with Polish investigators, Urbelis said.
“The indictment has been signed, and the case is going to the Vilnius Regional Court,” said Urbelis.
Last week, Polish prosecutors charged a Belarusian national with setting fire to a large DIY store in Warsaw last year. Stepan K. faces 10 years to life in prison on sabotage and terrorism charges.
“Moreover, it was established that the suspect Stepan K. committed the above arson acting for foreign intelligence, i.e., the intelligence of the Russian Federation, and on the order of the Russian special services,” prosecutors said.
Poland’s prime minister, Donald Tusk, posted on X on Monday that Lithuania’s investigation confirmed Poland’s suspicions that Russia was responsible for both acts and suggested this may be useful in any negotiations with Moscow.
NATO and EU states have accused Russia of engaging in ‘hybrid war’ tactics, including arson and other acts of sabotage, against countries supporting Ukraine.Dear allies, the investigation of the Lithuanian prosecutor’s office has confirmed our suspicions that responsible for setting fires to shopping centres in Vilnius and Warsaw are the Russian secret services. Good to know before negotiations. Such is the nature of this state.
— Donald Tusk (@donaldtusk) March 17, 2025
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