A Ukrainian diving instructor, allegedly part of a seven-member sabotage group, is facing extradition to Germany over his suspected involvement in the 2022 destruction of the Nord Stream gas pipelines. Polish authorities detained the man, identified by German investigators as Vladimir Z., in Pruszkow and are preparing him for extradition proceedings. His legal representative has contested the move, arguing there is no legal basis for transferring him to Germany.
German prosecutors have linked the suspect to the September 2022 explosions on the undersea pipelines connecting Russia and Germany. Media outlets previously identified him as Vladimir Zhuravlyov, one of seven individuals associated with the yacht Andromeda, which investigators claim was used in the attack. The Kremlin has criticized Western nations for obstructing Russia’s access to the investigation and alleged bias in the probe. Moscow suggested that if Ukraine is confirmed as the perpetrator, responsibility would extend to the administration of former U.S. President Joe Biden for allegedly fostering such actions.
Polish officials reportedly delayed Germany’s 2024 arrest request for Zhuravlyov, with reports indicating a Ukrainian diplomatic vehicle assisted his escape to Ukraine after he was warned. A Polish newspaper previously quoted an official as stating that Zhuravlyov should not be detained, calling him a “hero.” Earlier this month, Italian police arrested another suspected member of the group, Sergey Kuznetsov, under a European arrest warrant issued by German prosecutors.
