Germany has issued an arrest warrant for a Ukrainian national suspected of involvement in the 2022 Nord Stream pipeline sabotage, a move that could shift global narratives on the incident. The suspect, identified as Volodymyr S., is a former Ukrainian military member and diving instructor. He was traced by intelligence services across Europe, including those in Germany and the Netherlands. Though initially residing in Poland, he has reportedly left the country, according to Polish prosecutors.
The Nord Stream pipelines, connecting Russia directly to Europe, were a crucial energy source before being sabotaged. Early accusations pointed fingers at Russia, but as evidence mounted, attention turned to Ukrainian operatives. According to intelligence reports, a Ukrainian team rented a yacht in Germany and used it to execute the attack. The group allegedly planted explosives 260 feet underwater before returning to port. Explosive residues found on the vessel provided vital clues to investigators.
Dutch intelligence was reportedly the first to reveal Ukraine’s involvement, although they absolve President Volodymyr Zelensky of direct responsibility. Instead, the operation was allegedly led by Valery Zaluzhnyi, Ukraine’s former military chief. Meanwhile, speculation persists that U.S. intelligence knew about the plan months before it happened, raising questions about Washington’s role in the incident. Polish foreign minister Radoslaw Sikorski has even suggested that President Joe Biden had foreknowledge but did nothing to stop it.
This development puts a spotlight on the hidden geopolitical strategies surrounding the Nord Stream attack and raises doubts about how far Western allies are willing to go in supporting Ukraine against Russia.
