Polish special‑services minister Tomasz Siemoniak says the decision to extradite Ukrainian suspect Wołodymyr Z. to Germany should be left to the court, citing substantial doubts about the evidence.
Minister Challenges Extradition Decision
Tomasz Siemoniak, Poland’s coordination minister for special services, told TVN24 that the extradition of Wołodymyr Z. to Germany is a court decision. He warned prosecutors must convince the judiciary that sending the suspect to Germany is wrong, arguing that “who built Nord Stream 2 is more important than who blew it.”
Siemoniak questioned whether compelling evidence exists that the suspect is tied to the pipeline blast, noting the German authorities “are not providing adequate proof.” He added that “Ukrainia denies its own involvement in this matter” and that “there are serious doubts that the facts are as German media portray them.”
Timeline of the Case
Wołodymyr Z. was arrested in late September at his home in Pruszków after authorities discovered he was wanted under a European Arrest Warrant issued by the Federal Court of Justice in Karlsruhe. Polish officials learned of the warrant when he applied for permission to purchase property—a requirement for foreigners seeking residence in Poland.
The warrant relates to allegations that he helped sabotage the Nord Stream pipeline, for which Germany claims destruction of three of the four lines on 26 September 2022. Z. denies any involvement.
Detention Extended Pending Court Review
On Monday, the District Court extended Z.’s temporary detention by 40 days, meaning he could be released no earlier than 9 November. During that period, a hearing on the prosecutor’s request to enforce the European Arrest Warrant is expected.
Z.’s lawyer appealed the detention order. The Polish District Prosecutor Office said the court will consider the extradition request only after the German side fulfils formal requirements. A spokesperson for the national prosecutor, Przemysław Nowak, stated that evidence collected by the Pomeranian branch does not justify charging Z. with participation in the Nord Stream explosion.
Next Steps in Legal Process
The court will review the indictment and the extradition request in the coming days. If the German side meets formal prerequisites, Poland may proceed with transferring Z. to the Federal Republic of Germany for trial.