German Authorities Issue European Arrest Warrant for Ukrainian Diving Instructor in Connection with Nord Stream Pipeline Sabotage
Germany has taken action against a Ukrainian diving instructor, Volodymyr Z, for his alleged role in the sabotage of the Nord Stream pipelines in the Baltic Sea. Reports suggest that Volodymyr Z was part of a team that planted explosives on the pipeline route, disrupting Russian gas exports to the EU.
Although Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy denies involvement, German investigators have identified Volodymyr Z as a suspect. He was last known to be in Poland but has since left for Ukraine, evading arrest. The Polish prosecutor’s office confirmed receiving the arrest warrant in June but failed to prevent his escape due to inadequate information sharing with border guards.
The sabotage, which occurred in September 2022, damaged Nord Stream 1 and 2, affecting Russian gas exports to Germany. While the investigation continues, Germany has also pointed to other Ukrainian diving instructors as potential accomplices.
The incident has strained relations between Russia and the EU, raising concerns about the impact on Germany’s support for Ukraine amidst ongoing geopolitical tensions in the region.