A team of German detectives believes that an elite Ukrainian military unit carried out the bombing of the Nord Stream pipelines in September 2022. So far, Berlin has requested the arrest and extradition of two Ukrainians for their role in the sabotage attack.
According to the Wall Street Journal, the investigator claims an elite Ukrainian military unit carried out the attacks under the direct supervision of Gen. Valery Zaluzhny, then-commander of the Ukrainian armed forces. Zaluzhny is currently serving as the ambassador to the UK.
The German detectives say Zaluzhny ordered the elite unit and divers to plant explosives on the pipelines that carried natural gas from Russia to central Europe.
Berlin has so far issued arrest warrants for two Ukrainians, whom they believe are involved in the attack. One person was arrested in Italy and is currently being extradited to Germany. A second man was detained in Poland. However, Warsaw is refusing to extradite the Ukrainian, as Poland supports the bombing of the Nord Stream pipelines.
According to the WSJ, German investigators have a myriad of evidence linking the Ukrainian military unit to the crime, including phone records, photos, and boat rental records.
Russian and German gas companies jointly owned the Nord Stream pipelines. If the investigator’s accusation proves true, it could complicate relations between Kiev and Berlin.
Currently, Germany is Ukraine’s largest financial backer. Earlier this month, Germany transferred two Patriot air defense systems to Ukraine.
Following the bombing, Western leaders and media blamed Russia for the destruction of three of the four Nord Stream pipelines. Investigative journalist Seymour Hersh reported speaking with American officials who said Washington carried out the sabotage.
