The mystery surrounding the blasts in the Baltic Sea deepens as German prosecutors announce the arrest of a Ukrainian man in Italy, believed to have played a key role in the explosion that damaged the Nord Stream gas pipelines. Identified only as Serhii K, he was apprehended in the province of Rimini and accused of being among a group that set explosives beneath both Nord Stream 1 and 2, contributing to a major energy crisis in Europe amid ongoing disruptions stemming from Russia's war against Ukraine.
The arrest follows months of investigation into the September 26, 2022, explosions that left three of the four undersea pipelines ruptured. Nord Stream 1 had been actively supplying natural gas from Russia to Germany right up until the geopolitical tensions led to a halt, while Nord Stream 2 was never operational.
According to federal prosecutors, the suspect is alleged to have been part of a planning team that executed the attack using a chartered yacht, which departed from Rostock, Germany, towards an area close to Denmark's Bornholm island. While both Ukraine and Russia have denied involvement in the sabotage, speculation had previously suggested that Ukrainian divers were contracted for the operation.
As investigators seek further clarity on the incident, German officials have indicated that Serhii K will face an investigating judge imminently following extradition from Italy. The situation remains complicated, with many unanswered questions about the identities and motivations of the individuals behind the operation, as accusations between Russia and Western nations continue unabated.
The arrest follows months of investigation into the September 26, 2022, explosions that left three of the four undersea pipelines ruptured. Nord Stream 1 had been actively supplying natural gas from Russia to Germany right up until the geopolitical tensions led to a halt, while Nord Stream 2 was never operational.
According to federal prosecutors, the suspect is alleged to have been part of a planning team that executed the attack using a chartered yacht, which departed from Rostock, Germany, towards an area close to Denmark's Bornholm island. While both Ukraine and Russia have denied involvement in the sabotage, speculation had previously suggested that Ukrainian divers were contracted for the operation.
As investigators seek further clarity on the incident, German officials have indicated that Serhii K will face an investigating judge imminently following extradition from Italy. The situation remains complicated, with many unanswered questions about the identities and motivations of the individuals behind the operation, as accusations between Russia and Western nations continue unabated.
