Poland Defies EU Pressure, Blocks Extradition of Nord Stream Suspect

Poland Pushes Back on German Nord Stream Extradition Request In a significant development, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk has announced that Poland will not hand over a Ukrainian suspect to Germany in connection with the 2022 Nord Stream pipeline explosions. The decision was made despite a European arrest warrant issued by Germany. Timeline of Events: September 29, 2022: A leak is detected on the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline. Late September 2025: Volodymyr Z., a Ukrainian suspect, is detained near Warsaw. October 7, 2025: A Polish court rules that Z. must remain in custody for another 40 days while considering Germany's extradition request. Immediate Impact and Response: Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk stated that it is not in Poland's interest to hand over the suspect to a foreign country. He also criticized former Chancellor Angela Merkel's decision to authorize Nord Stream 2, saying "the problem of Europe, Ukraine, Lithuania, and Poland is not that Nord Stream 2 was blown up, but that it was built." Background Context: The Nord Stream pipeline explosions in 2022 were a significant event, with many countries affected by the resulting gas shortages. The incident raised questions about energy security and dependence on Russian resources. What Happens Next: The Polish court will continue to consider Germany's extradition request, while the implications of Poland's decision remain uncertain. This development highlights the complex relationships between European countries and their approaches to energy policy. As the situation unfolds, it is essential to monitor developments closely and understand the potential consequences for global energy markets. *This story is developing. Information compiled from Dw reporting.*