Lithuanian authorities have charged 13 individuals on Monday for two attempted murders in Vilnius linked to the Russian GRU military intelligence agency, while Ukraine identified the group as an intelligence network targeting journalists and officials. Saulius Briginas, the Lithuanian police chief, stated the suspects acted in the interests of Russian intelligence.
The legal actions follow arrests made in March, as reported by The Guardian. The suspects allegedly targeted a Lithuanian activist raising funds for Ukraine and a Russian dissident advocating for the Bashkir minority. Authorities also linked the group to an arson attack in Bulgaria and espionage against the Greek military.
“We are witnessing hybrid-style crimes against European Union countries, their national security, and persons who act in support of Ukraine,” said Briginas, the police chief.
The Lithuanian government previously tied the GRU to various destabilization efforts, including parcel explosions and arson attempts at retail and industrial sites. While Moscow has consistently denied involvement in such sabotage campaigns, several European nations have secured successful prosecutions of individuals claiming to work for Russian paymasters.
Simultaneously, diplomatic tensions have escalated between Kyiv and Israel over maritime shipments. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga summoned Israel’s ambassador to protest a vessel docking at an Israeli port that allegedly contained stolen grain from Russian-occupied territories.
“It is difficult to understand Israel’s lack of appropriate response … Now that another such vessel has arrived in Haifa, we once again warn Israel against accepting the stolen grain and harming our relations,” said Sybiga.
Israel has committed to investigating the claims following the public reprimand. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar responded to the summon by emphasizing the nation’s commitment to legal standards.
“the matter will be examined … Israel is a state that abides by the rule of law,” said Saar, the Israeli foreign minister.
On the battlefield, violence continued on Monday as a Russian drone strike in Odesa wounded 14 people. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported that Russia deployed approximately 1,900 attack drones and 1,400 guided bombs against Ukraine over the past week.
In response to the ongoing conflict, Poland announced plans to develop a “drone armada” in collaboration with Ukraine to bolster European defense. Ukraine is also doubling its production of ground-based robots to 25,000 units this year to assist in logistics and combat operations.
Financial support for Kyiv remains active, with the European Union approving a €90 billion loan and planning additional sanctions against Moscow. Meanwhile, the Institute for the Study of War confirmed at least 10 recent Ukrainian strikes against Russian energy infrastructure as Kyiv targets Moscow’s economic resources.