Poland has confirmed that it received a German arrest warrant for a Ukrainian man suspected in the sabotage of the Nord Stream gas pipelines in 2022. German media previously reported that prosecutors had issued a warrant for a Ukrainian diver, identified as Volodymyr Z., whom they believe assisted in planting explosive devices on the pipeline. The Polish prosecutor's office stated that it received the warrant for this individual in June, in relation to proceedings against him in Germany.
Volodymyr Z. was not detained as he had already left Polish territory by early July, crossing into Ukraine. Four significant gas leaks were detected on Nord Stream's two pipelines near the Danish island of Bornholm at the end of September 2022. These pipelines were a focal point of geopolitical tension after Russia reduced gas supplies to Europe, possibly in response to Western sanctions following Moscow's invasion of Ukraine.
Polish prosecutors explained that the suspect was able to leave Poland because the German warrant did not place him on the international wanted list. The Polish Border Guard had no prior knowledge or basis to detain Volodymyr Z. Since the beginning of Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Poland has been one of Ukraine's strongest supporters.
