World · Europe · 5 hrs ago
Lithuania foils attempted arson attack on Starlink equipment
Lithuanian authorities stopped an attempted arson attack on a company storing Starlink equipment overnight on October 18.
The attackers tried to set fire to satellite antennas and a control unit, and investigators found incendiary liquids and containers at the scene.
Prime Minister Mindaugas Sinkevicius suspects the attack was linked to Russia, but investigators have not yet confirmed who ordered it.
Starlink is a satellite communications service, and equipment at the company supports nine antennas used by Ukraine.
The incident matters because Starlink supports Ukraine’s defense, and Lithuania says similar suspected sabotage has occurred elsewhere in Europe.
Lithuania’s National Security Commission will discuss the incident on October 19 as the investigation continues.
Lithuanian authorities foiled an attempted arson attack on a company storing Starlink equipment overnight on October 18, Prime Minister Mindaugas Sinkevicius said.
The attackers tried to set fire to satellite antennas and a control unit, and investigators found incendiary liquids and containers holding three to 10 liters.
Sinkevicius said the attempt was part of Russia’s hybrid warfare campaign and suggested the Russian side commissioned it.
He said the company had been warned of possible attacks and security had been strengthened.
The company provides connections for nine Starlink antennas used by Ukraine, according to Sinkevicius.
- Who
- Lithuanian authorities thwarted the attempted attack. Prime Minister Mindaugas Sinkevicius blamed suspected Russian involvement.
- What
- An attempted arson attack targeted Starlink equipment stored at a company.
- When
- Overnight on October 18, 2026. Sinkevicius said the attempt was made at about 2:00 a.m.
- Where
- Lithuania; the articles do not specify the company’s location.
- Why
- Sinkevicius described it as part of Russia’s hybrid warfare campaign. The motive and those who ordered the attack had not been established.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
A fire was reported at a Starlink ground station in Poland in what may have been an attempt to disrupt its operations.
Lithuanian authorities thwarted an attempted arson attack on a company storing Starlink equipment.
Sinkevicius said he would convene the National Security Commission to discuss the incidents.
- Attempted attack
- Overnight on October 18, 2026
- Target
- Starlink satellite antennas and a control unit
- Containers found
- Capacities of three to 10 liters
- Antennas served
- Nine Starlink antennas used by Ukraine
- Planned meeting
- National Security Commission, October 19
4 sources
ليتوانيا: محاولة إحراق محطة ستارلينك عمل تخريبي روسي يستهدف أوكرانيا
Lithuania says attempted Starlink arson was Russia-linked sabotage
Brandanschlag gescheitert: Litauen wirft Russland versuchten Anschlag auf Starlink-Anlage vor
Lithuania foils arson attack on Starlink equipment, suspects Russian involvement
What people are saying
The authorities had warned the company of possible attacks, security had been stepped up, and the attempt failed.
We will learn more about who ordered it, how everything happened, and who was behind it. It is likely that it is already clear who commissioned it — the Russian side.
The incident is under control and could be prevented, but is still being investigated.