A Warsaw judge refused to extradite Ukrainian citizen Volodymyr Zhuravlyov, sought by Germany over the 2022 Nord Stream blasts, ordering his release and compensation. Judge Dariusz Lubowski said that, in the context of Russia’s war, a Ukrainian role—if proven—could be a lawful act of self-defence and questioned German jurisdiction over explosions in international waters. Poland’s Prime Minister Donald Tusk called the ruling right, while Germany’s foreign minister said he respected the court’s independence. Zhuravlyov denies involvement; a parallel German request for another Ukrainian suspect in Italy was sent back on appeal.

Prepared by Emily Rhodes and reviewed by editorial team.