Lithuania links Starlink arson attempt to Russia, citing Poland

Lithuanian Prime Minister Mindaugas Sinkevičius said Russia was likely behind an attempted arson at a facility in Lithuania where Starlink equipment is stored, Ukrinform reported, citing LRT. He said the authorities had warned the company in advance of possible attacks and strengthened security, which prevented the attempt.

Speaking later on LRT radio, Sinkevičius said similar or related incidents had already occurred abroad, including in Poland and Bulgaria, and linked the case to Russia’s hybrid war against Europe. He said Lithuanian authorities were monitoring the activities of hostile states “very closely” and taking measures to protect people and their property.

“At around 02:00, there was an attempt to burn satellite antennas and a control unit. Incendiary liquids were found, along with containers ranging in capacity from three to 10 litres,” he said. He described the episode as an attempted act of sabotage or diversion, adding that similar actions were being repeated across Europe and that it was “part of Russia’s hybrid war, involving acts of sabotage.”

“We will learn more about who ordered it, how everything happened and who was behind it. It is likely that it is already clear who commissioned it – it is the Russian side,” he added.

Defence Minister Robertas Kaunas confirmed the information but said he could not yet provide further details. “The incident has been brought under control and prevented, but it is also being investigated,” he told journalists on Sunday.

Jolita Orentaitė, head of the Communications Division at the Fire and Rescue Department (PAGD), told BNS that a pre-trial investigation had been launched.

Sinkevičius has convened a meeting of the National Security Commission for October 19 to discuss the attempted arson and a drone that crashed in northern Lithuania earlier on Sunday. The commission will also consider expanding the powers of Lithuanian agencies to neutralize drones.

Last week, Kaunas said he had authorized the use of the military to reinforce security along the border with Russia’s Kaliningrad region, Ukrinform reported.