Lithuania accuses Russia of arson attempts targeting military aid to Ukraine

Lithuanian authorities have accused Russia’s Main Intelligence Directorate (GRU) of attempting to set fire to infrastructure connected to military aid supplies for Ukraine. The criminal case, now before the courts, involves six foreign nationals, including citizens of Russia, Belarus, Cuba, and Spain.

A joint statement by the Lithuanian police and prosecution said: "The preliminary investigation conducted in Lithuania provides a sufficient basis to suggest that the sabotage attempts in Šiauliai were carried out on the instructions and in the interests of Russia’s GRU."

Saulius Briginas, Deputy Head of Lithuania’s Criminal Police, stated that the arson operations were planned and coordinated by a group based in Russia and linked to the GRU. He added that this group may also be connected to similar arson attempts in Poland, Romania, and the Czech Republic. The investigation claims the suspects received up to €10,000 for carrying out these missions.

Briginas further reported that Lithuanian authorities have issued arrest warrants for three additional suspects and are seeking the extradition of another individual from Colombia.

By Vugar Khalilov