Polish judges denied a German extradition request for a Ukrainian suspect linked to Nord Stream attacks, prompting German officials—both the justice minister and former chancellor Gerhard Schröder—to issue comments.
German Justice Minister Declines to Comment
The German Justice Ministry refused to comment on the Polish court’s decision to deny extradition of Ukrainian suspect Wojciech Ż, accused of bombing Nord Stream pipelines. Foreign Minister Johann Wattphul said during a press event in Ankara that he respects the court’s ruling, emphasizing that executive authorities should not intervene in judicial decisions abroad.
Schröder Defends Nord Stream 2 Policy
At a parliamentary inquiry in Schwerin on 17 October, former Chancellor and Nord Stream 2 chief Gerard Schröder defended the pipeline project, framing it as a move to diversify Germany’s energy mix away from nuclear and coal and secure natural gas from Russia “under sensible conditions”. He claimed there was no reason to deviate from the cooperation his predecessors had agreed with Russia.
“Peace Policy” Label for Russia Cooperation
Schröder described the economic ties with Russia as a “peace policy” and argued that this terminology remains appropriate today. He also cited the 2021 foundation for climate protection he set up, which allegedly facilitated clandestine transactions to keep the Nord Stream 2 project alive amid concerns the US might impose sanctions.
Interview via Videoconference and Unclear Responses
Schröder was summoned for questioning in Schwerin but, due to poor health, joined via video from the SDP office in Hanover. He answered only general questions on the pipeline and foundation, repeatedly saying he had no memory, calling some of the parliamentarians’ inquiries “absurd” or “irrelevant,” and sarcastically asked Chairman Sebastian Ehlers to end the “circus.”
Polish Court Denies Extradition of Ukrainian Suspect
On Friday, a Polish court ruled that a suspect suspected of participating in the Nord Stream attacks could not be extradited to Germany, citing lack of evidence. Judge Dariusz Lubowski said the German extradition request was “unsubstantiated,” noting that the only information provided was very general. He ordered the release of the Ukrainian national, Wojciech Ż, who had been detained near Warsaw on 30 September and was subject to a European arrest warrant originating in Germany.
