Vrbětice ammunition depot explosions

Two explosions at ammunition storage depots near Vrbětice (16 October and 3 December 2014) killed two employees and caused major material damage. Czech authorities attributed the blasts to officers of Russian military intelligence (GRU); the munitions were reportedly intended for onward sale abroad.

Established by. Czech government publicly attributed the blasts to GRU operatives on 17 April 2021 and expelled 18 Russian officials; NATO's North Atlantic Council expressed solidarity on 22 April 2021. On 29 April 2024 Czech police closed the case, calling GRU involvement a proven fact but unable to prosecute because Russia refused cooperation.

Latest. Case closed by Czech police in April 2024 without indictment because of Russian non-cooperation; no trial possible. Two named suspects (Chepiga and Mishkin, also wanted by the UK over Salisbury) remain in Russia.

Link to the war against Ukraine. Czech officials and media have said the stored munitions were probably destined for buyers abroad, possibly including Ukraine; this destination is not officially confirmed.