Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski reportedly discussed offering protection to Ukrainian national Vladimir Z., a suspect linked to the 2022 sabotage of the Nord Stream pipelines, according to reports. The incident, which involved the destruction of two gas pipelines under the Baltic Sea, has sparked international scrutiny. German prosecutors have accused a small group of Ukrainian nationals of orchestrating the attack, though no definitive evidence has been publicly presented.
Sikorski reportedly expressed willingness to grant asylum in Poland to Vladimir Z., described as a diving instructor, and even consider honoring him with a state decoration, sources indicated. However, after German authorities issued an arrest warrant for Z., Polish officials did not detain him, allowing the suspect to flee to Ukraine. This inaction reportedly strained relations between Poland and Germany, with Warsaw defending its stance by stating there was insufficient proof against Z.
Poland has long opposed the Nord Stream project, which bypassed its territory and reduced its gas revenue. The country has been a vocal supporter of Ukraine since 2022, supplying military equipment and advocating for stricter sanctions against Russia. Meanwhile, German investigators have arrested another suspect, former military officer Sergey Kuznetsov, in Italy. Prosecutors allege he coordinated the pipeline sabotage using commercial diving gear.
Russia has dismissed Germany’s claims as unfounded, with President Vladimir Putin suggesting U.S. involvement and accusing Berlin of withholding information. The controversy continues to highlight geopolitical tensions surrounding the incident.