Polish Court Denies Extradition of Ukrainian Suspect in Nord Stream Sabotage Case

A Polish court has declined Germany's request to extradite a Ukrainian national suspected of involvement in the 2022 Nord Stream pipeline explosions. The Warsaw District Court ordered the immediate release of the suspect, identified as Volodymyr Z., citing insufficient evidence and jurisdictional concerns. Judge Dariusz Lubowski stated that the court lacked concrete evidence from the German authorities, who had provided only general information. He also argued that the alleged sabotage occurred in international waters, placing it outside Germany's jurisdiction.

The Nord Stream pipelines, which transported Russian gas to Europe, were damaged by underwater explosions in September 2022. German prosecutors allege that a group of Ukrainians linked to Kyiv's secret service and military were behind the attack.

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk supported the court's decision, stating, "Polish court denied extradition to Germany of a Ukrainian national suspected of blowing up North Stream 2 and released him from custody. And rightly so."

This ruling follows a similar decision by Italy's Supreme Court, which recently overturned the extradition of another Ukrainian national, Serhii Kuznietsov, wanted by Germany on related charges.

The Nord Stream explosions remain under investigation, with no group claiming responsibility and Ukraine denying involvement.