Information
German authorities have issued an arrest warrant for a Ukrainian diving instructor, identified as Volodymyr Z., in connection with the sabotage of the Nord Stream pipelines in 2022. The investigation revealed that Volodymyr Z. allegedly carried out the attack with at least two other individuals, who are also believed to be Ukrainian citizens. The suspect was last known to be residing in Poland, but Polish authorities were unable to act on the warrant as he had reportedly fled the country. The German investigation found that the suspects used a German-flagged yacht to reach the pipeline location, where two of them, including Z., donned diving gear to carry out the sabotage. Despite identifying the suspect, no links have been found between them and the Ukrainian government.
The Nord Stream pipelines, which were crucial for transporting Russian gas to Europe, became a focal point of controversy, particularly after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022. On September 26, 2022, multiple explosions along the pipelines caused significant gas leaks, prompting investigations by Germany, Denmark, and Sweden. However, the Danish and Swedish probes were closed without identifying a suspect. The blasts led to widespread speculation about the responsible party, with accusations exchanged between Russia and Western countries. Although Ukrainians were suspected early on, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy denied any state involvement. The suspect, Volodymyr Z., is now believed to have fled to Ukraine, with his exact whereabouts unknown.
Source: AFP, ARD, DW
So what
It seems highly unlikely that this dive instructor acted alone and without the direction of some state entity; however, this may not have been Ukraine, it is also possible that Russia could have directed this attack in an attempt to reduce European support for Ukraine. One thing that will be interesting to see is if Ukraine attempts to locate and extradite Volodymyr to Germany to face trial; as if Ukraine were not a part of this sabotage, then surely they would want him to face justice.
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