A Ukrainian national accused of sabotaging the Nord Stream gas pipeline was released from Polish custody on October 17 after a Warsaw court denied Germany extradition.
Release from Polish Custody
A Ukrainian citizen, Wołodymyr Ż., was freed from Polish detention on Friday, October 17, following a decision by the Warsaw District Court. The court also rejected a request for extradition to Germany, effectively halting the execution of the European Arrest Warrant issued against him.
Interview with the Released Suspect
In a candid interview with Telewizja Republika, Wołodymyr Ż. expressed surprise at the speed of the release, stating, “I did not expect it to happen so quickly, but everything went well.” He conveyed optimism about the future and noted that his time in custody had been difficult, adding, “I need to find a way to cope, I have a family and children to look after.”
German Allegations Denied
During the interview, the suspect denied committing any crime within Germany or against Germans. He claimed that all Ukrainian divers could be equally accused, and expressed shock upon learning of the allegations. He thanked Poles and Ukrainians who had supported him during his detention.
Judicial Decision on Extradition
The Warsaw court’s ruling not only set the 40‑day detention order for Wołodymyr Ż. to null but also prevented the fulfillment of the European Arrest Warrant that the German Federal Constitutional Court had issued. This decision effectively barred Germany from presenting the suspect to German authorities.
Future of Seized Equipment
Wołodymyr Ż. indicated uncertainty regarding the return of the diving equipment he had been handed over to German authorities. He thanked everyone who had supported him during his detention, leaving the fate of the equipment unresolved.
