Archive · 19 Aug 2026
Second Nord Stream Suspect Arrested in Croatia, Extradition Planned
Croatia arrested a Ukrainian man suspected of helping damage the Nord Stream gas pipelines.
German prosecutors say the man was a trained scuba diver.
They believe he helped place explosives underwater.
The explosions happened in September 2022 near Denmark’s Bornholm island.
The damaged pipelines were meant to carry Russian gas to Germany and other European countries.
Prosecutors say the man was part of a group led by another Ukrainian named Serhii K. Germany wants Croatia to send him there for the investigation and court process.
One report says the operation may have been supported by a Ukrainian state agency, but Ukraine denies being involved.
Reports also differ in how they identify the suspect, using “Vladimir Z.” and “Volodymyr Zhuravlov.”
Croatian police arrested Ukrainian scuba diver Vladimir Z., also identified by one report as Volodymyr Zhuravlov, in Pula.
German prosecutors accuse him of helping plant explosives on the Nord Stream 1 and 2 pipelines in September 2022.
Prosecutors say he belonged to a group led by Ukrainian former army officer Serhii K.
Germany is seeking his extradition under a European arrest warrant for investigation and legal proceedings.
The blasts damaged both pipelines near Denmark’s Bornholm island; Ukraine denies involvement in the alleged operation.
- Who
- German prosecutors accuse Ukrainian scuba diver Vladimir Z., identified by one report as Volodymyr Zhuravlov, and link him to a group allegedly led by Ukrainian former army officer Serhii K.
- What
- Vladimir Z. was arrested over alleged involvement in the 2022 explosions that damaged the Nord Stream 1 and Nord Stream 2 pipelines.
- When
- He was arrested before the prosecutors’ statement issued on Wednesday, Aug. 19; the pipeline explosions occurred in September 2022. One report also says he had previously been detained in Poland in September 2025.
- Where
- He was arrested in Pula, Croatia; the alleged explosions occurred near Denmark’s Bornholm island.
- Why
- German prosecutors allege that he helped a group plant explosives on the pipelines.
Prosecutors’ allegations
Denials and unresolved responsibility
Suspect’s alleged role
Prosecutors’ allegations
German prosecutors say Vladimir Z. was a trained scuba diver who jointly caused explosions and helped plant explosives on both pipelines.
Denials and unresolved responsibility
The reports describe an accusation and arrest, not a final court finding of guilt.
Possible Ukrainian state involvement
Prosecutors’ allegations
Investigators reportedly believe the sabotage operation was backed by a Ukrainian state agency and prosecutors accuse Serhii K. of acting on behalf of Ukrainian state entities.
Denials and unresolved responsibility
Kyiv has denied involvement in the alleged operation.
Purpose and broader context
Prosecutors’ allegations
The alleged operation is described as targeting Russian energy revenues after Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
Denials and unresolved responsibility
Russia and Western countries have called the blasts sabotage, while the reports do not establish who ultimately ordered or carried out the attack.
- Suspect
- Vladimir Z., described as a Ukrainian national and trained scuba diver; one report names him Volodymyr Zhuravlov
- Arrest location
- Pula, Croatia
- Legal mechanism
- European arrest warrant
- Expected next step
- Extradition to Germany
- Alleged group leader
- Serhii K., a Ukrainian former army officer
- Pipelines affected
- Nord Stream 1 and Nord Stream 2
- Blast location and date
- Near Denmark’s Bornholm island in September 2022
