The arrest marks the first in the complex case of the Nord Stream attacks, which took place as the Ukraine conflict escalated. Known as a technically sophisticated operation, it initially puzzled investigators and fueled various theories about the culprits behind it. Western intelligence agencies ultimately suggested that a pro-Ukrainian group executed the operation, which caused extensive damage to the pipelines.
German Justice Minister Stefanie Hubig praised the arrest as a major success, reflecting the intensive investigative efforts by authorities. The suspect, Serhii K., will likely endure a lengthy extradition process before facing charges in Germany, where he will be held accountable for coordinating the attack.
According to the prosecutor’s office, Serhii K. allegedly masterminded the bombing executed by divers who attached explosives to Nord Stream 1 and 2 pipelines. The crew used a sailboat, acquired through fraudulent documents, for their mission.
On September 26, 2022, the presence of bubbles in the Baltic Sea alerted authorities to the subsequent explosions that damaged three out of four pipelines, which were inactive at the time. Amid increasing tensions, Germany had refrained from using the newly completed Nord Stream 2 due to concerns over Russia’s influence and gas supply politics linked to the invasion of Ukraine.
The attacks have since stirred speculation about responsibility, with various parties being blamed, including Russia, Poland, and even the United States. Ultimately, investigators maintained that the operations were carried out by individuals aligned with Ukraine, which would stand to benefit from hampering Russia’s gas exports to Europe.
This arrest follows an earlier, failed attempt to apprehend a different Ukrainian suspect linked to the case, who managed to escape to Poland before he could be detained.
Christopher F. Schuetze, based in Berlin, reports on critical political and social issues across Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, providing insight into significant geopolitical events.
German Justice Minister Stefanie Hubig praised the arrest as a major success, reflecting the intensive investigative efforts by authorities. The suspect, Serhii K., will likely endure a lengthy extradition process before facing charges in Germany, where he will be held accountable for coordinating the attack.
According to the prosecutor’s office, Serhii K. allegedly masterminded the bombing executed by divers who attached explosives to Nord Stream 1 and 2 pipelines. The crew used a sailboat, acquired through fraudulent documents, for their mission.
On September 26, 2022, the presence of bubbles in the Baltic Sea alerted authorities to the subsequent explosions that damaged three out of four pipelines, which were inactive at the time. Amid increasing tensions, Germany had refrained from using the newly completed Nord Stream 2 due to concerns over Russia’s influence and gas supply politics linked to the invasion of Ukraine.
The attacks have since stirred speculation about responsibility, with various parties being blamed, including Russia, Poland, and even the United States. Ultimately, investigators maintained that the operations were carried out by individuals aligned with Ukraine, which would stand to benefit from hampering Russia’s gas exports to Europe.
This arrest follows an earlier, failed attempt to apprehend a different Ukrainian suspect linked to the case, who managed to escape to Poland before he could be detained.
Christopher F. Schuetze, based in Berlin, reports on critical political and social issues across Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, providing insight into significant geopolitical events.
