German prosecutors have announced the arrest of a second individual in connection with the sabotage of the Nord Stream gas pipelines. The suspect, identified only as Vladimir Z., a Ukrainian national, was apprehended by Croatian police forces in the city of Pula on Wednesday at Germany's request. This development comes as part of an ongoing investigation into the September 2022 blasts that rendered the critical energy infrastructure inoperable.
The Nord Stream 1 and 2 pipelines were designed to deliver Russian gas to Germany and other European countries. In September 2022, both pipelines were severely damaged by explosions, just months after Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. German authorities believe the blasts were an act of sabotage ordered by unspecified Ukrainian state entities, though Kyiv has consistently denied involvement. Prosecutors allege the plot aimed to permanently disrupt gas deliveries and prevent Moscow from using gas revenues to finance its military operations.
This arrest follows the earlier charging of a first suspect, former Ukrainian army officer Serhii K., in July, who prosecutors allege orchestrated the blasts on behalf of Ukrainian state entities. Serhii K., arrested in Italy in August 2025 and extradited to Germany in November, has denied any involvement. The latest arrest underscores the continued efforts by German authorities to piece together the events surrounding the high-profile sabotage.
