A young Ukrainian has been sentenced to 3 years and 4 months in prison for setting fire to an IKEA store in Lithuania.

A court in Vilnius sentenced a Ukrainian teenager, Daniil Bardadim, to 3 years and 4 months in prison for setting fire to an IKEA store on May 8, 2024. The detonated explosive device caused a fire, but there were no casualties. The judge determined that Bardadim committed an act of terrorism and attempted a terrorist attack in Siauliai, where a NATO base is located. Prosecutors accused him of acting in the interest of a foreign military intelligence service, suggesting that Russia was aware of his plans. At the time of the attack, Bardadim, aged 17, was motivated by the promise of a reward of 10,000 euros and a car. He was also found guilty of training for terrorist purposes and possession of explosives. Lithuania and other states in the region have reported sabotage attempts related to Russia since the beginning of the war in Ukraine.