Lithuanian law enforcement officials announced Monday they have filed attempted murder charges against 13 suspects from various nations, alleging the individuals were operating on behalf of Russia’s military intelligence service, the GRU.
According to Saulius Briginas, Lithuania’s criminal police chief, the investigation launched in early 2023 revealed that those behind the murder plots were working to advance GRU interests. The probe focused on two planned killings in the Lithuanian capital of Vilnius.
Ukrainian authorities issued a separate statement Monday identifying the same individuals as part of what they called a “Russian intelligence network” that also targeted Ukrainian journalists and an intelligence officer for assassination.
Russia’s defense ministry, which oversees military intelligence operations, has not yet responded to requests for comment. Russian officials have consistently rejected accusations of involvement in such activities or broader sabotage operations, including arson incidents targeting nations that support Ukraine.
Police officials said the accused plotted to murder two individuals: a Lithuanian citizen who actively raises funds for Ukraine, and a Russian exile who advocates for Bashkir minority rights and has received asylum in Lithuania. Several suspects were taken into custody in Lithuania during March.
“We are witnessing hybrid-style crimes against European Union countries, their national security, and persons who act in support of Ukraine,” Briginas stated during a press conference in Vilnius.
Authorities believe the same network was responsible for an arson attack targeting military equipment bound for Ukraine in Bulgaria, as well as conducting espionage operations against Greek military forces, according to Briginas.
Defense attorneys for the accused have not been publicly identified, and it remains unclear how the defendants plan to respond to the charges.
As a NATO and European Union member sharing a border with Russia, Lithuania has positioned itself as one of Ukraine’s most outspoken supporters while frequently criticizing Russian actions within both international organizations.
Lithuanian officials have previously attributed other incidents to GRU operations, including explosive devices hidden in parcels across Europe and attempted arson at an IKEA location and a facility that manufactures radio equipment for Ukrainian forces.
