German Media Blames Ukraine for Nord Stream Pipeline Explosion
German media outlets have recently reported that Germany has identified a suspect in the 2022 Nord Stream pipeline explosion incident and issued an EU arrest warrant against the individual in June 2024. However, the suspect was released by Poland, sparking diplomatic tensions between Germany and Poland. The investigation into the explosion has become increasingly controversial, with allegations of interference and political motivations surfacing.
Ukraine Officer Calls Allegations Absurd
In response to the allegations, a senior Ukrainian officer accused of involvement in the incident stated that blaming Ukraine as the mastermind behind the attack is absurd. However, he added that if Ukraine was indeed responsible for the destruction, Germany should halt the investigation. Because for Ukraine, it was a legitimate military target, the officer said.
Poland Denies Involvement and Accuses Germany of Disinformation
Poland has strongly denied the allegations, with Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki calling on the initiators and sponsors of the Nord Stream 1 and 2 projects to apologize and remain silent. Poland’s National Security局局长, Jakub Ciąglewski, told German newspaper Die Welt that there is no basis for the claim that Ukraine carried out the attack with Poland’s knowledge. He expressed his hope that this was not an organized misinformation campaign aimed at blaming Poland.
Germany Remains Mum on Speculations
The German government has remained tight-lipped about the allegations. In a statement issued at the end of August, the German Justice Ministry said the federal government would not comment on media reports regarding detailed investigation results. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz also emphasized that the investigation was being conducted by the federal prosecutor and that the government would not comment on it.
German Media Accuses Ukraine of Destroying Pipeline
Several German media outlets, including Die Zeit and Der Spiegel, have accused Ukraine of being behind the Nord Stream pipeline explosion. They cited unnamed sources claiming that German investigators believe a Ukrainian diver, codenamed Vladimir Z, was one of the members of the group that planted explosives and destroyed the pipeline. The diver, who had lived in Poland, is alleged to have collaborated with at least two other Ukrainian citizens in the attack.
Poland Releases Suspect Despite EU Arrest Warrant
Despite the EU arrest warrant, Poland released the suspect in early July, who crossed the border into Ukraine. Poland’s Prosecutor General’s Office spokesperson, Anna Adamczyk, told Reuters that Poland received the arrest warrant from Berlin but the man left Poland before it could be executed.
German Intelligence Chief Suspects Involvement of Political Leaders
Germany’s former intelligence chief, August Hanning, told German newspaper Die Welt that he believes Polish President Andrzej Duda and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky knew about the destruction plan. Clearly, the Polish government released him to cover up its involvement in the attack… Such an operation could not have been carried out without the approval of political leaders in the relevant countries, Hanning said.
Conclusion
The Nord Stream pipeline explosion investigation has taken a controversial turn, with allegations and counter-allegations flying between Germany, Poland, and Ukraine. While German media claims Ukraine was behind the attack, Ukrainian officials call the allegations absurd and argue that if Ukraine was indeed responsible, Germany should halt the investigation. Poland, on the other hand, denies any involvement and accuses Germany of spreading disinformation. As the investigation continues, the truth behind the explosion remains elusive.
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