Arson attack on a Ukrainian restaurant in Estonia was ordered by Russian intelligence, a court says
An arson attack on a restaurant and supermarket in Estonia last year were ordered by Russian intelligence, an Estonian court said Wednesday.
The attack was one in a series across Europe tracked by The Associated Press and linked to Russia by Western officials. The goal, they asserted, is to sow division in Western societies and undermine support for Ukraine.
The Harju County Court in Estonia said the perpetrators were two Moldovan men who are cousins, both named Ivan Chihaial. One was sentenced to 6 1/2 years in prison for the arson attack on the restaurant and supermarket, which the court said was carried out on behalf of Russia’s security services.
The other Ivan Chihaial was an accomplice and sentenced to 2 1/2 years in prison.
In a statement, the court said the first Chihaial was tasked with the operation by Russian military intelligence, known as the GRU.
Read more: AP