**Arson Attacks in Lithuania and Poland Raise Suspicions of Russian Involvement**
Lithuanian authorities suspect Russia’s intelligence services of orchestrating arson attacks on an IKEA warehouse in Vilnius and a shopping center in Warsaw. The LRT broadcaster reported this on March 17.
On May 9, 2024, a fire broke out at the IKEA warehouse in Vilnius, causing around €500,000 in damages. Investigators believe two Ukrainian citizens, allegedly recruited by Russian security services, were responsible. One of them is a minor.
The Lithuanian Criminal Bureau‘s deputy head, Saulius Briginas, said that if firefighters hadn’t responded quickly, the entire shopping center could have been destroyed. A similar massive fire occurred on May 12, 2024, at a shopping center in Warsaw with 1,400 stores.
These incidents have raised suspicions of a coordinated Russian effort to destabilize countries supporting Ukraine against Russian aggression.
The Lithuanian prosecutor’s office claims that Russia’s military intelligence (GRU) formed a special group to carry out arson attacks across Lithuania, Poland, and Latvia. Polish authorities are jointly investigating with one suspect detained in Poland.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk posted on X: “Dear allies, the Lithuanian prosecutor’s investigation confirmed our suspicions that Russian secret services were behind the fires in Vilnius and Warsaw.” He added that this is a reminder of Russia’s nature before negotiations between Ukraine and Moscow.
The tensions between NATO and Russia have risen following Moscow’s attack against Ukraine. Western leaders and intelligence agencies have warned of a potential large-scale war in Europe within five years, citing Russia’s aggressive posture.
Moscow has denied involvement or refused to comment on the sabotage incidents.
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