Ukrainian Diver Suspected in Nord Stream Explosions Detained in Poland

Polish authorities have detained a Ukrainian diver suspected of involvement in the 2022 explosions that damaged the Nord Stream gas pipelines between Russia and Germany. The suspect, identified as Volodymyr Z under Germany's privacy laws, was apprehended near Warsaw following a European arrest warrant issued by German authorities.

The explosions in September 2022 severely disrupted Russian gas supplies to Europe, leading to widespread speculation about the perpetrators. While no country has claimed responsibility, Russia has accused the United States, Britain, and Ukraine of orchestrating the attack. In 2023, German investigators concluded that a pro-Ukrainian group was behind the sabotage.

The suspect's lawyer, Tymoteusz Paprocki, stated he would challenge the extradition to Germany, arguing that the European arrest warrant is inadmissible due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

This development follows the August arrest of another Ukrainian national, identified as Serhii K, in Italy for allegedly coordinating the attacks. German prosecutors accuse him and his accomplices of setting off from Rostock on Germany's northeastern coast in a yacht to carry out the pipeline sabotage.

Both suspects face charges related to causing explosions, anti-constitutional sabotage, and destruction of essential infrastructure.