Zelensky Contradicts German Investigators on Nord Stream Attack
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy denied his country's official involvement in the Nord Stream pipeline sabotage, contradicting German investigators who believe the operation was planned on behalf of Ukrainian state entities.
Speaking to journalists on Sunday, Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine was “never officially involved in any operation” connected to the pipeline explosions, according to Junge Freiheit. His denial directly challenges the working theory of Germany’s Federal Prosecutor’s Office, which has been leading the investigation into the September 2022 attacks.
German investigators announced in July that based on current evidence, plans for the sabotage were developed on behalf of state entities in Ukraine. The operation’s stated objective was to permanently block Russian gas deliveries through the Baltic pipelines and thereby deprive Moscow of revenue to finance the war effort.
Zelenskyy countered this assessment, claiming Germany knows “very well” that Ukraine “was neither behind the execution nor the conception of this operation.” He added that Kyiv is supporting German authorities in their investigation.
Ukraine Fears Damage to German Relations
The Ukrainian president made clear the political stakes involved in the ongoing probe. “It is very important for us not to lose our partnership, not to lose the trust of European countries that have been helping Ukraine since the beginning of this war,” Zelenskyy said. He expressed hope that the case would not cause a rupture in relations with Germany.
While Kyiv rejects any state-level involvement, German investigators continue to build their case against Ukrainian citizens. Just last Wednesday, Croatian authorities arrested another suspect in connection with the attack. According to the Federal Prosecutor’s Office, the man is believed to have been part of the diving team that attached explosives to the pipelines in September 2022.
The Ukrainian suspect faces charges including jointly causing an explosive detonation, anti-constitutional sabotage, and destruction of infrastructure. Germany is seeking his extradition.
Alleged Ring Leader Already in German Custody
Another defendant is already in German pre-trial detention. Serhii K., a former Ukrainian military officer, was arrested during a vacation in Italy in August 2025 and subsequently extradited to Germany. Federal prosecutors consider him a suspected leader of the sabotage group.
At the end of June, charges were filed against him. Beyond explosives offenses and destruction of infrastructure, he is also accused of complicity in a war crime through an attack on civilian objects.
The Nord Stream sabotage investigation has become increasingly sensitive as evidence continues to point toward Ukrainian operatives, even as Zelenskyy’s government maintains its denials of official involvement. The diplomatic implications for Ukraine’s relationship with its most important European ally remain a significant concern for Kyiv.
With information from Junge Freiheit
