Lithuania to seek terrorist designation for Russia’s GRU

Lithuania plans to seek a terrorist designation for Russia’s military intelligence agency, the GRU, over its alleged role in attacks on civilian infrastructure in Europe, Foreign Minister Kestutis Budrys said on Wednesday.

Speaking to public broadcaster LRT Radio, Budrys said investigations and court proceedings would first need to establish evidence directly linking the attacks to the agency.

“On that basis, we will seek to have it designated a terrorist organization,” he said.

Budrys said the move could also affect people with ties to the GRU, potentially limiting their access to Lithuanian businesses, financial institutions and territory.

He said people who had served in or were associated with the agency could be treated as supporting or contributing to terrorism, and would not be allowed near Lithuanian companies or banks, or into the country.

Budrys accused the GRU of targeting civilian infrastructure to intimidate European societies and said those responsible should be held accountable. He also urged EU countries to take action against the agency at this week’s Foreign Affairs Council meeting in Luxembourg.