The Federal Public Prosecutor's Office made a statement regarding the sabotage of the Nord Stream 1 and 2 gas pipelines in September 2022.

The statement noted that Vladimir Z was detained in Pula, Croatia, under a European arrest warrant dated June 3, 2024. Z is accused of "carrying out an attack using explosives" and "destroying structures."

Vladimir Z, who is a diver, allegedly participated in dives to place explosives on the pipelines. The statement recorded that Z was part of the group of Serhii Kuznietsov, who was previously arrested. It was reported that Z placed explosives on the Nord Stream 1 and 2 pipelines near Bornholm Island in September 2022.

It was stated that Vladimir Z will be brought before a judge in Germany after his extradition from Croatia. His arrest will be requested.

The Federal Public Prosecutor's Office had prepared an indictment against former Ukrainian soldier Serhii Kuznietsov on June 30.

Kuznietsov was apprehended near Rimini, Italy, on August 21, 2025. He was extradited to Germany in November 2025 and arrested by the court.

It is alleged that the suspects and their accomplices carried out the sabotage using a sailing yacht. It was stated that both pipelines suffered serious damage from explosives on September 26, 2022.

Mutual Accusations Between Russia, the West, and Ukraine Over Sabotage

The attack on the Nord Stream pipelines in September 2022 caused extensive damage to the lines connecting Russia and Germany via the Baltic Sea.

The explosions were recorded near Denmark's Bornholm Island. Nord Stream 1, vital for Russia's gas exports to Europe, and Nord Stream 2, which had not yet entered service, were damaged.

Western countries described the explosions as "sabotage." Germany, Denmark, and Sweden launched investigations. However, Denmark and Sweden have concluded their investigations.

Russia described the explosions as "international terrorism." It accused Western countries and the US of the sabotage.

Some investigations mentioned Ukrainian citizens and military personnel. However, Russia dismissed claims that Ukrainian groups carried out the sabotage as "absurd." Russia argued that such an act could only be carried out at a state level.

Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that Western countries could have carried out this act. Putin assessed that the US was interested in this operation.

Ukrainian officials, on the other hand, reiterated their non-involvement in the attacks. They argued that the attacks were a false flag operation planned by Russia to escalate the energy crisis in Europe and create panic over reliance on Russian gas.