The investigation into the explosions that occurred on September 26, 2022, on the Nord Stream natural gas pipelines between Russia and Germany is ongoing. A statement from the Federal Prosecutor’s Office in Germany expressed that a Ukrainian citizen, Serhii K., suspected of being one of the planners of the explosions, was captured in Italy. It was reported that the detained suspect was taken to the police station in Misano Adriatico in Italy’s Rimini province, would be extradited from Italy to Germany, and would be brought before a judge. Serhii K. is accused of causing explosions, unconstitutional sabotage, and structural destruction. It was noted that Serhii K. and 5 other individuals traveled from Germany’s Rostock port on a yacht rented from a German company using fake identities and with the help of intermediaries to the area where the attack was carried out.
German media also reported that the group, which allegedly carried out the sabotage against Nord Stream, aimed to damage the pipelines to prevent Russia, which is at war with Ukraine, from profiting from gas sales to Europe.
What had happened?
Explosions on the Nord Stream 1 and Nord Stream 2 pipelines on September 26, 2022, resulted in gas leaks at 4 points. Germany, Denmark, and Sweden had each launched separate investigations into the incident. While Russia claimed the explosions were orchestrated by the USA, Washington denied this claim. The pipelines had long been the target of criticism from the US and some of its allies. The US and its allies had warned that the pipelines increased dependence on Russian gas and posed a risk to Europe’s energy security.
In 2023, German media reported that a pro-Ukrainian group was involved in the sabotage. The Ukrainian administration denied allegations that it had ordered the attack on the pipelines. While the investigations launched in Sweden and Denmark were closed in February 2024, German prosecutors are continuing the investigation.
