German prosecutors arrested Serhii K., a Ukrainian citizen, in Italy’s Rimini province. Authorities suspect him of coordinating the 2022 pipeline sabotage.
Undersea Explosions Heightened Energy Tensions
Explosions on September 26, 2022, ruptured Nord Stream 1 and damaged Nord Stream 2 pipelines under the Baltic Sea. Nord Stream 1 supplied Russian gas to Germany until Moscow cut deliveries in August 2022. Germany suspended Nord Stream 2 certification before Russia invaded Ukraine, so it never entered service. The blasts increased European efforts to reduce reliance on Russian energy.
Accusations and Investigations Continue
Russia accused the U.S. of causing the explosions, a claim Washington rejects. U.S. and allies had criticized the pipelines for risking Europe’s energy security. German media reported a pro-Ukraine group may have carried out the sabotage. Ukraine denied ordering the attack, and German officials urged caution over the claims.
