German investigators increasingly believe that the 2022 sabotage of the Nord Stream gas pipelines was ordered by Valery Zaluzhny, who was then Commander-in-Chief of the Ukrainian Armed Forces. According to a report by German newspaper Die Welt, federal investigators are now convinced they have solved the case, pointing to a pro-Ukrainian group that operated from the sailing yacht Andromeda.

This conclusion, stemming from an investigation by Germany's Federal Criminal Police Office and Federal Police, suggests the six-person crew acted on direct instructions from the top of Ukraine's military leadership. The development adds a complex and politically sensitive layer to the mystery surrounding the underwater explosions that severed a major energy artery between Russia and Europe. A key suspect, a 49-year-old Ukrainian identified as Sergey K., is currently detained in Italy, with Germany seeking his extradition. His lawyer has noted the unusual lack of contact from the Ukrainian embassy, despite his client being a former military officer.

Different Perspectives

German Federal Investigators: Sources cited by Die Welt claim the case is largely solved, with substantial evidence pointing to a Ukrainian commando team operating under Zaluzhny's orders. Evidence includes reconstructed movements of the Andromeda yacht and traces of military-grade explosives found on board.
German Intelligence Services: In contrast, some within Germany's intelligence community remain skeptical. They suggest the evidence trail may be too perfect, raising the possibility that the Andromeda was a decoy or part of a false-flag operation designed to mislead investigators and point them towards Ukraine.
Ukrainian Officials: Ukraine has consistently and vehemently denied any involvement in the pipeline attacks. Zaluzhny, now Ukraine's ambassador to the United Kingdom, has also personally denied the allegations.
International Community: Russia has previously accused the United States and the United Kingdom of orchestrating the explosions. Meanwhile, investigations by Denmark and Sweden were closed without yielding definitive public conclusions or charges, highlighting the difficulty of attributing the attack.

Impact Analysis

The direct implication of a high-ranking Ukrainian official, even if unproven in court, strains the relationship between Ukraine and its key Western allies, particularly Germany. For businesses, this development escalates geopolitical risk, underscoring the volatility of the European security landscape. The sabotage has already fundamentally altered Europe's energy map, accelerating the pivot away from Russian gas and boosting the strategic importance of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) suppliers, such as the United States and Qatar. The incident serves as a stark warning about the vulnerability of critical subsea infrastructure, including energy pipelines and data cables, prompting calls for significantly increased investment in maritime security and surveillance.