Ukrainian Diver Arrested in Croatia Over Nord Stream Sabotage — Second Suspect Detained in Pipeline Bombing Case

German authorities have confirmed the arrest of a Ukrainian diver in Croatia in connection with the September 2022 sabotage of the Nord Stream gas pipelines [222683]. The suspect, identified by prosecutors as Vladimir Z., is "strongly suspected of jointly causing explosions" that damaged the underwater pipelines running between Russia and Germany [222521]. The arrest took place in Croatia, where the man was detained on an international warrant [223748]. Berlin has formally requested his extradition to Germany to face trial [222683].

The explosions occurred in September 2022, just months after Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, and damaged three of the four pipelines built to carry Russian gas to Europe [222683]. The incident severed critical energy infrastructure and contributed to a major energy crisis across the continent [222543]. The Nord Stream 2 pipeline was never put into operation [222521].

Prosecutors said the suspect's professional diving skills were essential for placing explosives on the deep-sea pipeline [222521]. The arrest marks the second significant development in the case, following the earlier detention of another Ukrainian suspect in Germany [222543]. Croatian police confirmed the arrest but declined to comment on extradition proceedings [222543]. German authorities have not released the suspect's full name, citing the ongoing investigation [222543].

The arrest comes after the suspect had previously evaded German investigators on two separate occasions [222470]. German officials are now moving to bring the suspect to Berlin to face charges, signaling a significant escalation in efforts to hold those responsible for the attack accountable [223748].