A Polish judge has declined to extradite Ukrainian citizen Volodymyr Zhuravlyov, who is wanted by Germany concerning the 2022 Nord Stream pipeline explosions. The judge justified this decision by suggesting that if Ukraine were involved, it could be viewed as a justifiable act during wartime. Zhuravlyov was detained in Poland last month under a European arrest warrant and appeared in court handcuffed.
Judge Dariusz Lubowski ordered Zhuravlyov’s release, which garnered surprise from those present in the courtroom. Zhuravlyov is accused, along with others, of planting explosives on the pipelines that transport gas from Russia to Germany. Initially, responsibility for the explosions was attributed to Moscow, but Ukrainian involvement has emerged as a possibility.
Ukrainian officials have consistently denied participation in the attacks. The case is unusual compared to typical extradition processes within the European Union, raising questions about jurisdiction and legality.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk supported the ruling, stating it was appropriate. During his decision, Judge Lubowski emphasized the context of the war in Ukraine, describing Russia’s invasion as a “bloody and genocidal attack.” He noted that actions which might seem like sabotage in peaceful times could be interpreted differently during warfare.
The judge mentioned that the pipeline explosions could have financially weakened Russia while noted that Germany had suspended operations of the Nord Stream pipelines post-invasion. He asserted that his decision was solely legal, not emotional or political, and questioned whether Germany had any jurisdiction in the matter since the blasts occurred in international waters on pipelines largely owned by the Russian state.
Following Zhuravlyov’s release, he will receive compensation from the Polish state. His wife expressed relief and appreciation for the judge’s understanding of the situation. Zhuravlyov, who has a business in Poland, maintains he had no military ties and denies involvement in the sabotage. Another Ukrainian suspect, Serhiy Kuznetsov, was arrested in Italy under similar allegations but has also denied connections to the blasts.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c8drmzv98jzo?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss