Lithuania urges EU to label Russia's GRU a terrorist organization

Lithuania is calling on the European Union to officially designate Russia's foreign intelligence agency, the GRU, as a terrorist organization. Lithuanian Foreign Minister Kestutis Budrys stated that the GRU's operations already align with the actions of a terrorist group and that such a designation is crucial for the EU to demonstrate seriousness in countering Russian aggression.

Budrys argued that Russia will continue its hybrid attacks against Europe until the EU takes decisive action. He specifically cited the GRU's alleged involvement in a recent arson attack in Munich and a drone attack at Leipzig airport in August as evidence of its terrorist-like activities. Budrys, who has extensive experience in national security from his time at Lithuania's State Security Department, believes that increased sanctions and a clear stance against entities like the GRU are necessary to prevent Russia from causing disruption in European capitals.

He further criticized the EU's decision in September to remove two prominent oligarchs from its sanctions list, viewing it as a sign of weakness that emboldened Russia to escalate its actions both in Ukraine and within European countries. The EU currently maintains a list of designated terrorist individuals and entities, which includes groups like Hamas and the Islamic State, but no Russian organizations have been added to this list to date.