The Warsaw district court denied Germany’s extradition request for Ukrainian national Volodymyr Żurawlow, suspected of the 2022 Nord Stream sabotage, and lifted his temporary arrest.
Court Ruling
The Warsaw district court refused to extradite Volodymyr Żurawlow, a Ukrainian national, to Germany in connection with the 2022 Nord Stream pipeline sabotage. The court also cancelled his provisional arrest.
Judge’s Remarks
Judge Dariusz Łubowski pronounced that “first, you are free,” emphasizing the defendant’s release. He noted that the man had been detained earlier in Poland but was now considered free pending the court’s decision.
Extradition Grounds
The court cited the wartime context and the fact that the explosions occurred in international waters, raising jurisdictional doubts for Germany. It concluded that the request did not meet the legal prerequisites for extradition.
Political Reaction
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk tweeted, “Polish court denied extradition of Ukrainian accused of Nord Stream sabotage to Germany and released him from arrest. Well done. Case closed.”
