Two Ukrainians Arrested in Croatia Over Nord Stream Pipeline Blasts

In September 2022, powerful explosions severely damaged the Nord Stream 1 and 2 gas pipelines in the Baltic Sea. The pipelines were a crucial route for Russian gas to Europe and their destruction had major implications for European energy security.

Almost immediately, the blasts were labeled as sabotage. German prosecutors launched an investigation, suspecting a coordinated operation but without naming specific perpetrators at first. The incident fueled widespread speculation and political tension, especially given the war in Ukraine and strained relations between Russia and the West.

In the months following the attack, European authorities worked together to track down those responsible. The first major breakthrough came in late 2025, when a Ukrainian suspect was arrested in Germany, according to CBC News.

On August 19, 2026, German prosecutors announced the arrest of a second Ukrainian suspect in Croatia. Deutsche Welle reported that this man was detained in the city of Pula. Multiple outlets, including Reuters and Euronews, identified him as Vladimir Zhuravlev, a professional diver and former Ukrainian army officer. Authorities allege he played a leading role in the sabotage.

The circumstances of his arrest were unusual. According to Expressen and several other sources, Zhuravlev was working as a consultant on a Hollywood movie being filmed in Croatia about the Nord Stream blasts. The film starred actors such as Sean Penn and Adrien Brody. He was taken into custody on set, drawing global media attention to the case.

Following his arrest, German prosecutors requested his extradition. Croatian authorities have confirmed the existence of a European arrest warrant, and the legal process is now underway.

Both Ukrainian suspects are now in custody, one in Germany and one awaiting extradition from Croatia. German and Croatian officials continue to work closely on the investigation.

Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has repeatedly denied that Ukraine had any involvement in the Nord Stream sabotage. He stated publicly that Ukraine was not connected to the attack and is cooperating with international investigators, as reported by Deutsche Welle and other outlets.

The investigation remains active, with authorities in several countries still piecing together the details of the operation and its possible masterminds.

The next key step is the extradition of Vladimir Zhuravlev to Germany, where he is expected to face charges. It remains to be seen whether further suspects will be named or arrested as the investigation continues.

Questions also remain about the broader context of the attack, including who ordered the operation and whether any state actors were involved. The findings of German prosecutors and any upcoming court proceedings will be closely watched in Europe and beyond.