Ukrainian suspect arrested in Croatia for Nord Stream sabotage

Nord Stream sabotage pipeline explosion Ukrainian suspect arrest Baltic Sea European arrest warrant

Croatian police have arrested a second Ukrainian suspect, identified as Vladimir Z., in Pula in connection with the 2022 Nord Stream pipeline sabotage. The arrest was executed via a European arrest warrant issued by German authorities.

Vladimir Z., described by prosecutors as a trained professional diver, is suspected of participating in the placement of explosives on the Nord Stream 1 and Nord Stream 2 pipelines near the Danish island of Bornholm. Investigators allege the group used a sailing yacht rented from a company in Rostock, Germany, using falsified identity documents to reach the site.

The suspect faces charges including unconstitutional sabotage, causing explosions, and the destruction of structures. He is expected to be extradited to Germany to face a judge at the Federal Court of Justice.

This arrest follows the previous detention of Serhii K., a former Ukrainian military officer, who was arrested in Italy and subsequently extradited to Germany. While German prosecutors suggest the group may have acted on behalf of Ukrainian state entities, the Ukrainian government has categorically denied any involvement in the sabotage.

Entities

Croatia · German Federal Prosecutor's Office · German Federal Public Prosecutor's Office · German Federal Public Prosecutor’s Office · German federal prosecutor · Germany · Nord Stream · Pula · Serhii K. · Vladimir Z.

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[● 3 SOURCES] The sabotage operation was reportedly carried out from a sailing boat at a depth of approximately 80 meters. www.kurierverlag.de
[● 2 SOURCES] A first suspect, Serhii K., was arrested in Italy in August 2025.
[● 3 SOURCES] The arrest in Croatia was executed based on a European arrest warrant.
[● 3 SOURCES] Vladimir Z. is a trained Ukrainian diver.
[● 2 SOURCES] The Nord Stream 1 and Nord Stream 2 pipelines were damaged by explosions in September 2022 near Bornholm. www.kurierverlag.de
[● 17 SOURCES] A second suspect, Vladimir Z., has been arrested in Pula, Croatia. www.nachrichten-heute.net · www.kurierverlag.de · derchotv.de · www.t-online.de · www.dalmacijadanas.hr · +4 more
[● 4 SOURCES] Vladimir Z. is suspected of causing an explosive explosion, unconstitutional sabotage, and destruction of structures. www.nachrichten-heute.net
[● 3 SOURCES] Vladimir Z. was previously located in Poland but was not extradited to Germany. www.nachrichten-heute.net · www.kurierverlag.de
[● 2 SOURCES] A Ukrainian citizen, Vladimir Z., was arrested in Pula, Croatia, based on a European arrest warrant.
[● 2 SOURCES] The suspect is accused of complicity in causing explosions, unconstitutional sabotage, and destruction of buildings and objects.
[● 2 SOURCES] The explosives detonated on September 26, 2022, causing significant damage to both pipelines near the island of Bornholm.
[● 2 SOURCES] The suspect will be extradited from Croatia to face an investigating judge at the Federal Court.