Poland Detains Ukrainian Suspect in 2022 Nord Stream Pipeline Explosions

A Ukrainian man named Volodymyr Z. was arrested in Poland under a European arrest warrant issued by German authorities for his alleged involvement in the 2022 sabotage of the Nord Stream gas pipelines. The pipelines, which connect Russia to Germany under the Baltic Sea, were damaged by explosions that disrupted gas supplies amid the ongoing conflict following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Volodymyr Z., a diving instructor, is accused of placing explosives on the pipelines after sailing on a yacht from Germany's Baltic Sea port. Another Ukrainian, Serhii K., was arrested in Italy and is believed to have coordinated the operation; he is currently appealing extradition to Germany. Volodymyr Z.'s lawyer has challenged the extradition, arguing that because Nord Stream is owned by Russia's Gazprom, which finances the war in Ukraine, there are no grounds to prosecute anyone involved. The case remains controversial, with Ukraine denying involvement and Russia accusing Western countries of orchestrating the attacks.