A Polish court deliberated on Friday whether to extradite a Ukrainian man, identified only as Volodymyr Z., who is suspected by German prosecutors of involvement in the 2022 attack on the Nord Stream gas pipelines. The case has the potential to strain diplomatic relations between Poland and Germany. The 46-year-old suspect, described as a trained diver, was arrested near Warsaw on September 30 under a German warrant. German authorities allege he was part of a group that planted explosives on the pipelines near Denmark’s Bornholm island. The Warsaw District Court’s decision, which could be appealed, remains pending. Volodymyr Z.’s lawyer, Tymoteusz Paprocki, stated that his client denies any involvement in the attack and questions the charges. He also argued that no Ukrainian should be prosecuted for actions against Russia. Poland, historically opposed to the Nord Stream pipelines, has shown reluctance to extradite the suspect. Prime Minister Donald Tusk emphasized that such a move would not align with Poland’s interests. The Nord Stream 1 and 2 pipelines were severely damaged in September 2022, escalating tensions amid Europe’s efforts to reduce reliance on Russian energy following the invasion of Ukraine. Germany’s push for Nord Stream 2 had previously faced criticism for increasing Europe’s dependence on Russian gas. Volodymyr Z., a resident of Poland, is one of two Ukrainians sought by German authorities in the case. Another suspect, arrested in Italy, saw his extradition annulled by Italy’s top court, which ordered a reassessment of the case.
Polish court considers extradition to Germany of suspect in Nord Stream pipeline attack
