Zelenskyy denies Ukraine's role in Nord Stream pipeline sabotage amid German accusations
Translated from Greek, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reiterated that Ukraine had no role in the 2022 sabotage of the Nord Stream gas pipelines.
- A German prosecutor's conclusion that the sabotage was ordered by the Ukrainian state could complicate relations between Kyiv and Berlin.
- Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine has offered its assistance to Germany in its investigation and hopes the probe will not harm their relationship.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has again denied any involvement by his country in the 2022 sabotage of the Nord Stream 1 and 2 gas pipelines. His comments come after German prosecutors concluded that the explosions were ordered by the Ukrainian state, a finding that could strain relations with Germany, a key military supporter of Ukraine.
Ukraine has never officially participated in any operation related to the Nord Stream sabotage.
"Ukraine has never officially participated in any operation related to the Nord Stream sabotage," Zelenskyy told reporters when questioned about the ongoing investigation. He has consistently denied any Ukrainian connection to the incident, asserting that Germany is "fully aware" that Ukraine did not organize, execute, or even conceive of the operation.
Zelenskyy emphasized the importance of maintaining the partnership between Ukraine and European countries that have supported Kyiv since the start of the war against Russia. "It is very important for us not to lose our cooperation, not to lose the trust of the European countries that have been helping Ukraine since the beginning of this war," he stated.
Germany is fully aware that Ukraine did not organize, execute, or even conceive of the operation.
This denial follows the recent arrest of a Ukrainian national in Croatia on suspicion of involvement in the pipeline sabotage. German prosecutors believe this individual collaborated with another Ukrainian, who was arrested in Italy and subsequently extradited to Germany. Kyiv has offered its full cooperation with the German investigation, expressing hope that the inquiry will not negatively impact the crucial alliance between the two nations.
It is very important for us not to lose our cooperation, not to lose the trust of the European countries that have been helping Ukraine since the beginning of this war.
Originally published by Ta Nea in Greek. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.