A significant legal development has occurred in Poland concerning the Nord Stream pipeline explosions, as a judge in Warsaw has refused to extradite a Ukrainian citizen suspected by Germany of involvement in the 2022 sabotage. The judge, Dariusz Lubowski, cited the ongoing war in Ukraine as justification for the suspect’s actions, should they be proven to have been carried out by Ukraine.
The suspect, Volodymyr Zhuravlyov, who was detained last month following a European arrest warrant, was ordered to be released from custody. The ruling was met with surprise in the courtroom and has garnered immediate commentary from Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, who stated, “Case closed,” indicating his support for the decision.
Germany’s investigation into the September 2022 blasts, which crippled the Nord Stream gas pipelines, initially pointed towards Moscow. However, evidence later emerged suggesting potential Ukrainian involvement. Kyiv has consistently denied any responsibility for the attacks.
The judge’s decision highlights the complex geopolitical context surrounding the case. Judge Lubowski described Russia’s invasion of Ukraine as a “bloody and genocidal attack” and invoked historical and philosophical arguments to assert Ukraine’s right to self-defense. He suggested that if Ukraine’s special forces were indeed responsible for destroying Russian-owned pipelines, such actions would be considered “justified, rational and just” in wartime, especially since the pipelines were not operational at the time of the explosions and their destruction would have impacted Russia’s military potential.
Furthermore, the judge questioned Germany’s jurisdiction in the case, given that the explosions occurred in international waters and involved pipelines with significant Russian state ownership. Poland has historically been critical of the Nord Stream project, viewing it as a move that increased Germany’s dependence on Russian energy and deprived Poland of transit fees.
Mr. Zhuravlyov’s wife, Yulianna, expressed her relief and stated the importance of the judge understanding the Ukrainian perspective. The couple, who have resided in Poland since early 2022, plan to remain in the country. Mr. Zhuravlyov, identified as a deep-sea diver by his wife, denies any involvement in the sabotage, with his wife characterizing his diving activities as a hobby rather than military involvement.
This case follows a similar one involving another Ukrainian national, Serhiy Kuznetsov, detained in Italy for alleged involvement in the blasts. While an Italian court initially approved his extradition to Germany, the decision was later annulled by Rome’s top appeals court, leading to a recommencement of proceedings.