A Polish judge has refused to extradite a Ukrainian citizen – suspected by Germany of sabotaging the Nord Stream gas pipelines in September 2022 – arguing that if Ukraine was responsible for the attack, then it was a 'just' act.
Volodymyr Zhuravlyov, who was brought to Warsaw District Court in handcuffs, was detained in Poland last month on a European arrest warrant. Judge Dariusz Lubowski ordered his release, after a ruling that was met with a ripple of surprise from the crowd in court and a smile from the man in the dock.
Mr. Zhuravlyov, along with others, is suspected of planting explosives deep beneath the Baltic Sea on the pipelines leading from Russia to Germany. Blame for the blasts, which crippled a long-controversial energy supply line from Russia to Germany, initially focused on Moscow until signs of Ukrainian involvement began to emerge. Officials in Kyiv have repeatedly denied any role.
In his ruling, Judge Lubowski cited the importance of the context of the ongoing war in Ukraine, calling Russia's invasion 'a bloody and genocidal attack.' He argued that actions taken by Ukraine's forces, if aimed at undermining enemy resources, could be justified.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk supported the ruling, stating on social media, 'Case closed.' Following the verdict, Zhuravlyov's family expressed relief and gratitude, emphasizing the emotional impact of the judge's understanding of the situation.
This case adds to the complexities of extradition processes within the EU, especially in the context of the war in Ukraine, as it challenges traditional views of legality and justice amidst ongoing conflict.
Volodymyr Zhuravlyov, who was brought to Warsaw District Court in handcuffs, was detained in Poland last month on a European arrest warrant. Judge Dariusz Lubowski ordered his release, after a ruling that was met with a ripple of surprise from the crowd in court and a smile from the man in the dock.
Mr. Zhuravlyov, along with others, is suspected of planting explosives deep beneath the Baltic Sea on the pipelines leading from Russia to Germany. Blame for the blasts, which crippled a long-controversial energy supply line from Russia to Germany, initially focused on Moscow until signs of Ukrainian involvement began to emerge. Officials in Kyiv have repeatedly denied any role.
In his ruling, Judge Lubowski cited the importance of the context of the ongoing war in Ukraine, calling Russia's invasion 'a bloody and genocidal attack.' He argued that actions taken by Ukraine's forces, if aimed at undermining enemy resources, could be justified.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk supported the ruling, stating on social media, 'Case closed.' Following the verdict, Zhuravlyov's family expressed relief and gratitude, emphasizing the emotional impact of the judge's understanding of the situation.
This case adds to the complexities of extradition processes within the EU, especially in the context of the war in Ukraine, as it challenges traditional views of legality and justice amidst ongoing conflict.
