Lithuania Accuses Russian Military Intelligence Of IKEA Arson

• Russian military intelligence accused of planning arson attack at IKEA store in Vilnius.

• Suspect charged with setting fire allegedly acted on behalf of Russian military structures.

• Planned attacks on shopping centers in Lithuania and Latvia for a reward of 10,000 euros.

The IKEA logo is seen outside an IKEA furniture store in Brussels

Reuters

Lithuanian authorities have accused Russian military intelligence of orchestrating an arson attack at an IKEA store in the Lithuanian capital, Vilnius, last year. The prosecutor's office in Lithuania has filed an indictment against an individual charged with setting fire to the Ikea shopping center on May 9, 2024. The suspect, who was a minor at the time of the incident, allegedly acted on behalf of Russian military structures and security services.

The prosecutor general's office revealed that the suspect, in collaboration with another individual, conspired during a clandestine meeting in Warsaw, Poland, to carry out arson and bombings at shopping centers in Lithuania and Latvia. The motive behind these planned attacks was reportedly a reward of 10,000 euros, along with a BMW vehicle.

According to the statement released by the prosecutor's office, these acts of terrorism were intended to instill fear in the societies of both Lithuania and Latvia. The ultimate goal was to coerce Lithuania, the European Union, and other nations into reducing or halting their support for Ukraine. Additionally, the attacks were aimed at destabilizing the key political, economic, and social structures of the targeted states.

Poland, along with the Baltic countries of Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia, has been vocal in its support for Ukraine in the face of Russia's full-scale invasion. The allegations of Russian military intelligence involvement in the arson attack at the IKEA store have further strained the already tense relations between Lithuania and Russia.