Ukrainian held in Italy because of the explosive mystery of Nord Stream gas pipelines

German prosecutors claim that a Ukrainian man was arrested in Italy on suspicion of blowing up Nord Stream gas pipelines under the Baltic Sea, a few months after the start of the full -scale invasion of Russia in Ukraine in 2022.

The man, identified only as Serhii K, was arrested in Rimini province and was part of a group that planted explosives under Nord Stream 1 and Nord Stream 2 pipelines from Russia to Germany, according to federal prosecutors.

The Ukrainian is suspected of being one of the leaders of the operation, which included outlining a yacht and sailing from the German port of Rostock.

Ukraine denied participation in the explosions, which released a key source of natural gas to Europe.

Although Nord Stream 2 has never been put into operation, the two Nord Stream 1 pipelines have provided a stable power supply of 1,200 km (745 miles) below the Baltic from the Russian coast to northeastern Germany.

Shortly before the invasion of Russia, Germany canceled its process for approving Nord Stream 2, which was 100% owned by Russian gas giant Gazprom. Months later, Russia closed Nord Stream 1.

After that, on September 26, 2022, several explosions were recorded near the Danish island of Bournesholm, which tore three of the four pipelines.

The mystery surrounded the identity of saboteurs – but last year, German reports suggest that a team of Ukrainian divers hired a German yacht and sailed in the Baltic to attack the pipelines.

German prosecutors issued an arrest warrant called Volodymyr Z last August.

They said the suspect, held in Rimini, would be brought before an investigative judge after he was extradited from Italy.

Prosecutors said the man was “highly suspected of jointly causing an explosion and sabotage that undermines the Constitution.”

So far, there is no evidence connecting Ukraine, Russia or another country with attacks.