Prosecutors said the teenager, who had left Ukraine after the Russian invasion and was later recruited in Poland, acted as part of an organised sabotage network directed by Russian security services.
Days after the Ikea attack, he allegedly collected explosives and detonators intended for further strikes on shopping centres in Lithuania and Latvia.
Mediazona reported that Russian handlers had promised him EUR 10,000 and a BMW in return, though he never received the rewards.
The fire on 8 May 2024 caused nearly EUR 500,000 in damage but was contained quickly.
Investigators believe Ikea was targeted because the company withdrew from Russia after the invasion of Ukraine.
Danylo B. was arrested five days later while travelling toward Latvia, carrying materials for another planned attack.
He was 17 at the time of the arson, and the court reduced the sentence due to his cooperation.
Polish prosecutors say he also took part in a Russian-directed operation surrounding the fire at Warsaw’s Marywilska 44 shopping centre, where he filmed the blaze on instructions from a contact in Russia.
Lithuania’s verdict does not prevent further charges being brought against him in Poland.
(ał)
Source: IAR, PAP