CNN —
German authorities have issued an international arrest warrant for a Ukrainian man suspected of damaging the Nord Stream gas pipeline two years ago. The explosions caused gas leaks from Nord Stream 1 and 2, leading to a search for the perpetrators.
A Ukraine man, Volodymyr Z., is wanted by Germany for the attacks. Three German outlets reported that he, along with two other Ukrainian suspects, carried out the underwater assault on the pipeline in September 2022.
Investigators found explosive traces at the sites, confirming sabotage. The suspects allegedly attached explosives to the pipelines during a sailing trip across the Baltic Sea, causing the damage.
US officials had prior intelligence about a possible attack on the pipelines, suggesting involvement by Ukrainian military groups. Ukraine denies any role in the blasts.
The Nord Stream project, aimed at transporting Russian gas to Europe, faced opposition due to fears of increased Russian influence. Germany halted the project after Russia invaded Ukraine.
Antonia Mortensen and Chris Stern contributed reporting.