Ukrainian held in Italy over blast mystery of Nord Stream gas pipelines

German prosecutors say that a Ukrainian man had been arrested in Italy on suspicion of detonating the northern course pipelines under the Baltic Sea, several months after Russia’s full invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

Federal prosecutors say that the man, who was only recognized as Serhii K, was arrested in Remini Province and was part of a group that planted explosives below the Nord Stream 1 and Nord Stream 2 pipeline from Russia to Germany.

The Ukrainian is suspected of being one of the masterminds of the operation, which included drawing a yacht and sailing from the German port of Rostock.

Ukraine denied its involvement in the explosions, which cut a major source of natural gas for Europe.

Although Nord Stream 2 did not come into effect, the Nord Stream 1 pipelines have provided fixed supplies of 1200 km (745 miles) under the Baltic from the Russian coast to northeastern Germany.

Shortly before the invasion of Russia, Germany canceled its operation to agree to Nord Stream 2, which was 100 % owned by the Russian gas giant GazProm. After months, Russia closed the Nord 1 stream.

Then, on September 26, 2022, many explosions were recorded near the Danish island of Bornholm, which torn three of the four pipelines.

The ambiguity was surrounded by the identity of the saboteurs – however, German reports indicated last year that a team of Ukrainian divers had rented a German yacht and sailed to the Baltic to attack the pipelines.

German prosecutors issued an order to arrest diver Volodymyr Z last August.

They said that the suspect in Remini would be brought before the investigating judge after being delivered from Italy.

Prosecutors said that the man “is strongly suspected that it caused an explosion and sabotage that undermines the constitution.”

There is no evidence yet linking Ukraine, Russia or any other state to attacks.