John AdoyiGerman authorities have issued an arrest warrant for Volodymyr Z., a Ukrainian diving instructor suspected to be involved in the September 2022 sabotage of the Nord Stream pipelines, which carry natural gas from Russia to Germany.
German media reported that investigators believe Volodymyr Z, who was last seen in Poland, was part of a team that planted explosive devices along the pipeline route.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelThe Nord Stream pipelines, comprising Nord Stream 1 and Nord Stream 2, are critical infrastructure projects stretching 1,224 kilometers (760 miles) from Greifswald, Germany, to Narva Bay, Russia. The first pipeline was inaugurated in 2011 and delivers 55 billion cubic meters (1.9 trillion cubic feet) of natural gas annually to Europe. The second pipeline, Nord Stream 2, was completed in 2021, doubling the capacity. However, in September 2022, explosions severely damaged both pipelines near the Danish island of Bornholm in the Baltic Sea, leading to four significant leaks.
Since the sabotage, tensions have escalated, with Russia and Ukraine accusing each other of responsibility. However, recent investigations in Germany have reportedly identified Volodymyr Z. and a married couple, also divers, as key suspects in the operation.
In January 2023, Germany raided a ship that it said may have been used to transport explosives and told the United Nations that it believed trained divers could have attached devices to the pipelines at about 70 to 80 metres (230 to 260 feet) deep, according to Al Jazeerra reports.
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In March of the same year, The New York Times cited a US intelligence that suggested a “pro-Ukrainian group” was responsible for carrying out the blasts without President Zelenskyy’s knowledge.
Polish authorities confirmed the arrest warrant on Wednesday but revealed that Volodymyr Z. had already left for Ukraine in July, escaping apprehension. In response to inquiries, Volodymyr Z. has denied any involvement in the sabotage.
Despite the developments, the German government emphasised on Wednesday that the outcome of the investigation would not affect its relationship with Ukraine.
A government spokesperson stated that the findings do not alter Germany’s position that “Russia is waging an illegal war of aggression against Ukraine.”
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