In brief
A Ukrainian man has been detained in Croatia on suspicion of participating in the 2022 explosions that damaged the Nord Stream gas pipelines. German prosecutors say he was one of the divers who placed explosives beneath the sea floor, a claim that puts Ukraine and Germany on a tense footing. Earlier, Poland refused extradition of a similar suspect, while Italy has already handed another fugitive to German courts. The arrest signals fresh efforts by European states to bring individuals involved in the sabotage to justice amid a backdrop of strained East‑West relations.
A Ukrainian diver has been arrested in Croatia on accusations of aiding the 2022 explosions that damaged the Nord Stream gas pipelines.
\The suspect, believed to be Volodymyr Zhuravlyov, is alleged by German authorities to have been one of the scuba divers who planted explosives on the underwater pipelines after Russia launched its full‑scale invasion of Ukraine.
\He is the second man brought into custody over the plot, following a former Ukrainian military officer, Serhiy Kuznetsov, who was detained in Italy and extradited to Germany.
\German prosecutors claim the diver took part in “necessary dives” to plant the sabotage charges. They are seeking extradition from the Croatian police station where he is held.
\The case highlights the complex diplomatic tensions between Kyiv and Berlin. Kyiv has historically denied any role in the attacks, while German officials suspect Ukrainian involvement.
\Poland, a long‑time critic of the Nord Stream project, has previously refused to extradite a similar suspect, citing the alleged defensive nature of a potential Ukrainian action. This latest arrest underscores Europe’s determination to hold perpetrators accountable amid the broader Russia‑Ukraine conflict.
