German prosecutors announced the arrest of Ukrainian citizen Serhii K., suspected of coordinating the 2022 Nord Stream pipeline blasts. Authorities detained him overnight in Italy’s Rimini province. Prosecutors stated that he acted as one of the operation’s coordinators.
Explosions Severed Key Energy Links
Explosions on 26 September 2022 ruptured Nord Stream 1, Russia’s main natural gas route to Germany, before Moscow halted supplies. The blasts also damaged Nord Stream 2, which never began operations because Germany froze certification before Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The destruction heightened tensions as Europe scrambled to reduce reliance on Russian energy.
Disputes Over Responsibility Continue
Russia accused the United States of orchestrating the attack, an allegation Washington dismissed. U.S. officials had long criticized the pipelines as energy security threats. In 2023, German outlets linked a pro-Ukraine group to the sabotage, but Ukraine denied involvement. German officials advised caution when addressing the claim.
