Zelensky denies Ukraine ordered 2022 Nord Stream pipeline blasts
Why it matters: The case could strain ties with Germany, a key military backer, as Kyiv works with Berlin’s investigation.
President Volodymyr Zelensky on Aug. 23 again denied that Ukraine took part in the 2022 sabotage of the Nord Stream gas pipelines, rejecting allegations cited by German prosecutors that the bombings were ordered by the Ukrainian state. Zelensky said Ukraine had never officially participated in any operation to blow up the link carrying Russian gas to Europe and said Germany knew Kyiv was not behind the planning or execution. He added that Ukraine was cooperating with Berlin’s investigation and wanted to preserve trust with European partners supporting it in the war with Russia. The case widened after a Ukrainian man was arrested in Croatia on Aug. 19 on suspicion of involvement. German prosecutors also allege he worked with another Ukrainian man arrested in Italy in 2025 and later extradited to Germany.