Polish Lawyer Condemns German Pursuit of Nord Stream Pipeline Suspect Amid Ukraine War
Warsaw, Poland – The lawyer representing a Ukrainian national facing extradition to Germany in connection with the 2022 Nord Stream pipeline explosions has sharply criticized the German prosecution, calling it “amazing” given the ongoing war in Ukraine and the pipelines’ ties to Russia. The suspect,identified as Volodymyr Z,currently resides near Warsaw,Poland,and maintains his innocence.
Germany has one week to formally submit an extradition request, with a hearing expected no later than next Wednesday.Though, lawyer Michał Paprocki argues the timing and focus of the German investigation are deeply flawed.
“We are talking about the war, we are talking about Ukrainian people, we are talking about Russian aggression towards Ukraine. We should know that every day in Ukraine people die, killed by drones and the Russian army,” Paprocki stated.He emphasized that Nord Stream 1 and 2 are properties of Gazprom, a company controlled by the Russian government and financially supporting the war effort.
“For me it is unbelievable – I can’t imagine a situation where my client or any Ukrainian citizen has [to] go to Germany and is accused of this in democratic Europe. Also,from my personal perspective it couldn’t be a justice process in Germany,” Paprocki added.
Volodymyr Z,who has lived in Poland for approximately three years with his wife and two children,owns a construction business specializing in ventilation systems. his home was searched last year by both Polish and German police. Paprocki asserts his client “did nothing wrong against the Germans” and denies any involvement in the pipeline damage.
The lawyer expressed confidence in the Polish justice system to prevent the extradition, stating, “I am confident we will be able to demonstrate our position and I firmly believe, ultimately, in Polish justice and the Polish government.”
Paprocki suspects the case is motivated by German and Russian business interests, pointing to the historically close commercial relationship between the two countries. In 2021, prior to Russia’s February 24, 2022, full-scale invasion of Ukraine, trade between Germany and Russia reached €60 billion, encompassing goods like gas, oil, and automobiles.
He warned that extraditing his client woudl signal that “business transactions between countries are prioritised over compassion and the value of individuals as human beings.” Paprocki believes Germany should instead focus on “exerting pressure on Russia to end the war and refrain from accusing the Ukrainian people.”
