German prosecutors confirmed the arrest of Ukrainian citizen Serhii K., suspected of organizing the Nord Stream pipeline blasts. Authorities detained him in Italy’s Rimini province overnight. Prosecutors stated he acted as one of the operation’s coordinators.
Explosions Intensify Energy Crisis
Explosions on 26 September 2022 destroyed parts of Nord Stream 1 and damaged Nord Stream 2. Nord Stream 1 had carried Russian gas to Germany until Moscow cut supplies in August 2022. Nord Stream 2 never entered service after Germany froze certification before Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The blasts fueled European efforts to cut reliance on Russian energy.
Disputes Over Responsibility
Russia accused the United States of orchestrating the attack, but Washington denied involvement. U.S. officials long warned the pipelines threatened Europe’s energy security. In 2023, German media reported that a pro-Ukraine group staged the sabotage. Ukraine dismissed the allegations, while German officials advised caution over assigning blame.
