Lithuania Blames Russian Intelligence for Ikea Store Arson in Vilnius

The incident is viewed as part of a broader hybrid warfare strategy targeting European nations' support for Ukraine.

Lithuanian prosecutors have accused Russia's military intelligence agency, GRU, of orchestrating an arson attack on an Ikea furniture store in Vilnius last year. The investigation has led to the arrest of two Ukrainian teenagers, one detained in Lithuania and the other in Poland. Prosecutor Arturas Urbelis described the incident as "an act of terrorism," stating evidence suggests strong connections to Russian military and security services.

Poland's Prime Minister Donald Tusk echoed these claims, suggesting that Lithuania's findings confirmed suspicions that Russian intelligence is behind a series of arson attacks on shopping centers in both Vilnius and Warsaw. Tusk remarked on how such revelations are essential before entering negotiations with Russia, with a post on X hinting at the deceptive nature of the Kremlin.

In response, Russia has categorically denied allegations from NATO countries regarding its involvement in sabotage operations throughout Europe. This incident aligns with previous instances of arson, including a failed attempt attributed to Russian operatives, as well as a spate of fires targeting parcel delivery services last July, which security analysts interpret as a coordinated effort to destabilize European support for Ukraine amid the ongoing conflict that began in February 2022.

The arson in Vilnius in May did not result in any casualties; however, a similar incident caused significant destruction to a shopping mall in Warsaw shortly after. Prosecutor Urbelis revealed that the arrested suspects had convened in Warsaw, wherein they agreed to ignite fires in Lithuania and Latvia, lured by a promised reward of €10,000 and a BMW.