German authorities confirmed the arrest of a Ukrainian suspect in Italy linked to the 2022 Nord Stream explosions. Prosecutors called it a breakthrough in a case that has long obscured who ordered the sabotage of the pipelines.
Who was arrested?
According to Germany’s federal prosecutor’s office, the suspect — identified as Serhii K. — was taken into custody by Italian police in Rimini late Wednesday. He is expected to be extradited to Germany, where he faces charges including causing an explosion, anti-constitutional sabotage and destruction of infrastructure.
German Justice Minister Stefanie Hubig called the arrest “a very impressive investigative success,” saying progress is essential to clarify who carried out the attack.
What happened to the pipelines?
The Nord Stream 1 and 2 pipelines, built to carry Russian gas under the Baltic Sea, were struck by explosions in September 2022. The blasts caused massive methane leaks and disabled a key supply route as Europe sought alternatives to Russian energy.
At that time, Moscow had already stopped flows through Nord Stream 1, while Germany had halted certification of Nord Stream 2 following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
Prosecutors said the saboteurs used false documents to charter the yacht Andromeda. Civilian divers are believed to have planted explosives underwater. Samples taken from the yacht showed traces of explosives, linking it to the operation.
What do investigations suggest?
No group has admitted carrying out the blasts. Ukraine has consistently denied involvement. Russia has repeatedly accused the United States of carrying out the sabotage — claims Washington has denied.
In 2023, German outlets reported suspicions about a pro-Ukraine group, though officials urged caution. Probes in Sweden and Denmark concluded in 2024 without charges, leaving Germany’s as the only ongoing case.
The Wall Street Journal, citing unnamed Ukrainian and Western officials, reported that President Volodymyr Zelenskyy was briefed on the plan and at one point approved it before later seeking to halt it. Ukrainian officials deny that claim.
The report said Ukraine’s then–military chief proceeded regardless. Ukrainian officials denied the account, calling it a provocation and stressing Zelenskyy “did not approve the implementation of any such actions.”
Why does the case matter?
The explosions worsened Europe’s energy crisis, forcing governments to secure new gas sources at high cost. They also highlighted the vulnerability of critical undersea infrastructure, an issue now drawing increased attention across Europe and the U.K.
With the arrest of Serhii K., German prosecutors are pursuing the only active case into the Nord Stream sabotage, though central questions remain about who ultimately ordered the operation and whether additional suspects will face trial.