Polish Court Refuses to Extradite Ukrainian Suspect in Nord Stream Sabotage to Germany

A Polish court has denied the extradition of Wolodymyr Z., a 46-year-old Ukrainian suspect linked to the 2022 Nord Stream pipeline attacks, despite Germany's European arrest warrant seeking his transfer. Wolodymyr Z. was arrested in Pruszkow, Poland, in late September and held in custody. The German Federal Prosecutor's Office in Karlsruhe accuses him of causing an explosive detonation and unconstitutional sabotage related to the explosions that severely damaged the Nord Stream pipelines, leading to four leaks across three of the four pipeline lines and halting gas flow.

The ruling hinges on the court's view that the pipeline explosions should be classified as military actions within the context of war, which grants immunity from individual criminal responsibility. Additionally, the court questioned Germany's jurisdiction, noting the attacks occurred in international waters. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk expressed his government’s stance that Poland has no interest in extraditing the suspect and affirmed the court’s decision, describing the case as closed for Poland.

This decision reflects tensions in German-Polish relations since several leading Polish politicians, including Tusk, have shown sympathy towards the alleged perpetrators and consider the sabotage aligned with national interests. The National Security Bureau of Poland indicated that preventing prosecution of the suspects aligns with the country's vital interests.

Furthermore, the case extends beyond Poland. Another principal suspect remains in Italy, where the Italian Supreme Court recently halted extradition to Germany and sent the case back to a lower court for review.

Previously, Wolodymyr Z. evaded arrest under unclear circumstances, reportedly aided by a Ukrainian embassy employee. His involvement as a trained diver purportedly responsible for placing explosives underscores the complexity of this high-profile international case, which not only involves criminal accusations but also intertwines with broader geopolitical and security considerations in Europe.