Suspects Were Smuggled Out by Diplomats
One of the divers was allegedly smuggled out of Poland to Ukraine in a car with diplomatic plates, driven by a Ukrainian military attaché. The Ukrainian government refused to comment on the incident.
Another suspect, the group commander, was detained in Italy. He was identified as Sergey K., a 46-year-old veteran of the SBU who fought in Kyiv at the beginning of the Russian invasion. His arrest followed months of searching and tracking routes through Poland, the Czech Republic, and Italy.
As Sergey was led out of court, he raised three fingers in the shape of the Ukrainian trident, demonstrating solidarity with his homeland. The lawyer stated that his client is innocent, and even if he acted, it was within the framework of a military operation in defense of Ukraine, thus he has immunity.
Political Consequences for Europe
Now, as the case is prepared for court, Berlin fears a split among Ukraine’s allies. The Italian court’s decision on the extradition of Sergey K. could determine whether the Nord Stream case turns into a diplomatic crisis.