German prosecutors announced the arrest of Ukrainian citizen Serhii K., suspected of involvement in the 2022 Nord Stream explosions. Authorities detained him overnight in Italy’s Rimini province and identified him as one of the operation’s coordinators. Prosecutors released a statement confirming his alleged leadership role in the sabotage.
Explosions Intensify Energy Crisis
Explosions on 26 September 2022 struck the Nord Stream pipelines under the Baltic Sea, disrupting Russia’s gas supply route to Germany. The blasts ruptured Nord Stream 1, Moscow’s main gas export line until it halted supplies in August 2022. The attack also damaged Nord Stream 2, which never began operations after Germany suspended certification before Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. European countries accelerated efforts to reduce dependence on Russian fuel after the damage.
Disputes Over Responsibility
Russia blamed the United States for the sabotage, but Washington denied the allegations. The pipelines had long faced U.S. criticism for creating energy dependence on Russia. In 2023, German media linked a pro-Ukraine group to the explosions, though Kyiv denied any involvement. German officials urged caution in assigning responsibility for the attack.
