Reuters reported that Lithuania was treating an attempted overnight arson at a SpaceX-leased Starlink facility outside Vilnius as Russia-linked sabotage, an assessment by Lithuanian authorities. [E1][E10][E11]
On October 14, the paper reported that SpaceX had restricted some Starlink service used by Ukraine. Lithuanian authorities now say an attempted overnight arson targeted a SpaceX-leased Starlink facility outside Vilnius. [E12][E1]
Reform.news reported that the fire was contained and suspects were being sought. [E5]
The blaze was quickly extinguished, with minor damage and no disruption to operations, Reuters reported. [E2]
Moscow says sabotage accusations are baseless and the result of anti-Russian hysteria, Reuters reported. [E3]
Vilmantas Vitkauskas, head of Lithuania’s National Crisis Management Centre, said the attempted arson at SpaceX-leased premises in Vilnius used for Starlink equipment was an attempt by Russia to disrupt the network and influence Ukraine’s military operations. [E4]
Reform.news reported that a pre-trial investigation has been launched. [E6]
Lithuanian Prime Minister Mindaugas Sinkevičius said heightened security prevented a facility storing Starlink satellite communications equipment from being set on fire overnight on October 18. [E7]
According to Sinkevičius’s October 18 Facebook statement, Lithuanian security services had warned the company of potential attacks, prompting it to strengthen security at the facility. [E8]
Authorities have not publicly identified suspects, named the company or disclosed the location or method used in the attempted arson, UNITED24 Media reported. [E9]