Lithuanian authorities have charged 13 people with attempted murder in cases allegedly linked to Russia's GRU military intelligence service, police announced.

The charges represent a significant escalation in what appears to be ongoing tensions between Lithuania and Russian intelligence operations. Lithuania, a NATO member and former Soviet republic, has been among the most vocal critics of Russian activities in the region.

Police have not released detailed information about the specific incidents that led to the charges or the identities of those accused. The timing and nature of the alleged attempted murders also remain unclear from the initial announcement.

The GRU, formally known as the Main Directorate of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation, is Russia's primary military intelligence agency. It has been accused by Western nations of conducting various covert operations abroad, though Russia typically denies such allegations.

Lithuania has previously accused Russia of various forms of interference and hostile activities on its territory. The Baltic nation has been particularly sensitive to Russian activities since gaining independence from the Soviet Union in 1991.