By Ilayda Cakirtekin
ISTANBUL (AA) – A Polish court sentenced three Ukrainians to prison on Friday for their roles in fires in Poland and the Baltic states linked to suspected sabotage.
"All three defendants were convicted of participating [at various times in 2023-2024] in an organised group operating in Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, Ukraine, and Russia, with the goal of committing sabotage and terrorist crimes," prosecutors said in a statement seen by broadcaster TVP World.
It noted that the suspects acted "jointly and in concert with" each other and with other identified individuals, against whom the proceedings are still ongoing.
The verdict, which remains subject to appeal, follows Prime Minister Donald Tusk’s accusation that Russian secret services were behind a massive fire that nearly destroyed a Warsaw shopping center in May 2024.
Polish investigators collaborated with Lithuanian authorities, who allege that Russia’s military intelligence orchestrated an arson attack on an IKEA store in Vilnius, which took place three days before one in Poland.
Russia has rejected any involvement in the attacks.