Poland’s prosecution has assessed the detention of a Ukrainian man alleged to have detonated the Nord Stream gas pipeline, stating it will determine whether extradition is warranted under Polish law.
Prosecutor’s Statement
The Warsaw regional prosecutor, Piotr Skiba, confirmed that the suspect has been interrogated. He said that the investigation will examine procedures related to extradition but not the fault itself.
Defender’s Response
Volodymyr Z. Tymoteusz Paprocki, the defendant’s lawyer, has stated that his client does not admit guilt. The lawyer declined any comment on legal findings.
Extradition Procedures
According to Skiba, the case follows Polish regulations only to assess whether there is an obligation to hand the suspect over. The defendant is wanted under a German European Arrest Warrant for suspected participation in the Nord Stream sabotage.
Background of the Suspect
The 46‑year‑old Ukrainian lives in Poland with his wife and three children. He operated a construction business in Pruszków County and had recently returned from an attempted escape to Ukraine. He may have been warned of the German warrant, but it is unclear how he re‑entered Poland without being detained.
Nord Stream Explosion Context
On 26 September 2022 an under‑sea explosion damaged three of four Nord Stream gas pipeline sections near the German coast. The incident halted flows to the EU; German authorities suspended Nord Stream 2 amid Russian aggression. Experts suggested sabotage, with some hypotheses involving a “Ukrainian group,” though German intelligence found no conclusive evidence of direct Ukrainian involvement. Intelligence indicated the attack plan was drafted as early as 2014, and Polish intelligence shared names of alleged contacts in Moscow with German authorities.
