A Croatian court has ruled that a Ukrainian man suspected of involvement in the 2022 explosions that damaged the Nord Stream gas pipelines can be extradited to Germany, according to Ukrainian news outlet Suspilne.

The suspect, identified as Vladimir Z., was arrested in August at a hotel in the Croatian coastal city of Pula under a European arrest warrant.

German prosecutors have accused Vladimir Z. of being a scuba diver who was part of a group allegedly involved in the explosions that damaged the Nord Stream 1 and Nord Stream 2 pipelines.

The blasts occurred in September 2022, several months after Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The explosions damaged Nord Stream 1, a major route for Russian gas exports to Europe, as well as Nord Stream 2, which had not yet entered commercial service.

Russia and Western countries have described the explosions as an act of sabotage, while the investigation into those responsible has continued across several European countries.

Vladimir Z.’s lawyer, Mykola Katerynchuk, rejected the Croatian court’s decision, describing it as politically motivated and biased. He said the defence would appeal the ruling.

The County Court in Pula confirmed on Thursday that it had issued a ruling but said it could not disclose further details until the parties had decided whether to appeal.

German courts have asserted jurisdiction over the case because the damaged pipelines terminate in the German state of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. Prosecutors have also argued that the destruction affected Germany’s energy security and internal security.

Vladimir Z. has denied involvement in the Nord Stream explosions, according to his lawyers.

Another suspect, former Ukrainian army officer Serhii K., was charged by German prosecutors in July with allegedly organising the pipeline blasts while acting on behalf of Ukrainian state entities.

Serhii K. was arrested in Italy in August 2025 and transferred to Germany in November. He has also denied involvement in the explosions near the Danish island of Bornholm.

The Croatian ruling could now pave the way for Vladimir Z. to be transferred to Germany, although an appeal could delay the extradition process.

SOURCE: Reuters, September 24, 2026.