Prosecutor in Lithuania has requested a four-year prison sentence for Ukrainian national Daniil Bardadim over an arson attack at the Ikea store in Vilnius last year.
“The prosecution has requested an aggregate four-year prison term,” prosecutor Tomas Uldukis told reporters following Monday’s hearing at Vilnius Regional Court.
Closing arguments began in the case on Monday. The proceedings are being held under a shortened procedure, as Bardadim has admitted his guilt.
The prosecutor claimed that he had requested a heavier sentence than that provided for in the relevant article for each of the four offenses.
"But since, as we can see, the case was examined fairly quickly, allowing the court to conduct a shortened examination of the evidence in this case, the law provides for a one-third reduction in the sentence," he said.
According to Uldukis, following the court's ruling, the defendant should serve his sentence in Lithuania, but this may depend on many factors.
"He is a Ukrainian citizen. Perhaps, as I mentioned in my previous statements, an investigation is still being conducted in Poland. Anything is possible," the prosecutor said.
The young Ukrainian is charged with carrying out a terrorist act, unlawful possession of explosives, terrorist training, and traveling for terrorist purposes.
He was a minor at the time of the offense, so the maximum penalty he faces is 10 years in prison. A verdict is expected later this year.
Lithuanian officials allege the attack was linked to a terrorist group possibly orchestrated by Russian special services. Investigators say the group coordinated its activities via encrypted social media channels.
According to the case file, a timed explosive device was planted in the Vilnius Ikea store on May 8, 2024. The device exploded overnight, sparking a fire that was quickly contained. No one was injured.
A civil claim of €485,000 has been lodged against the suspect to cover damages to the store.
Prosecutors say two Ukrainians under the age of 20 were behind the attack. Bardadim, then 17, was arrested on May 13 near Panevėžys. Authorities claim he had returned to Lithuania to collect equipment stored for another arson attempt and was travelling by bus to Riga to carry out a second attack when detained.
The second suspect was arrested in Poland, where a major shopping centre was also set ablaze.
Investigations into those believed to have ordered the attacks remain ongoing, with international arrest warrants issued for several individuals.
Updated: added information about the possible reduction and location of the sentence.
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