Nord Stream Suspect Arrested on Set of Film About the Sabotage

A Ukrainian diver accused of involvement in the 2022 Nord Stream pipeline sabotage has been arrested in Croatia, according to Croatian media outlet Istra24. The suspect, known as Vladimir Z. in German documents and Volodymyr Zhuravlev by Croatian sources, was apprehended by Croatian police while working on a Hollywood film about the attack.

The arrest occurred in Pula, under a European arrest warrant issued by German authorities. German prosecutors allege that Zhuravlev was part of a group responsible for planting explosives on the Nord Stream pipelines near Denmark. The film, titled "Snake Island," is a political thriller directed by Doug Liman and stars Sean Penn and Adrien Brody.

The coincidence of the arrest during filming has drawn attention, as the movie dramatizes a mission allegedly carried out by Ukrainian divers similar to the real-life sabotage. The production, expected to continue into early September, uses Croatian locations to depict the Baltic Sea setting of the real attack. Zhuravlev, reportedly involved with the film as an adviser or consultant, allegedly participated in the operation as a diver.

While Ukrainian nationals are suspects, the involvement does not prove government responsibility. German prosecutors have identified several Ukrainian nationals as suspects, including former Ukrainian Armed Forces officer Serhii K., who is accused of leading the group and acting on behalf of Ukrainian state entities. The investigation focuses on the planning, financing, and possible state support for the sabotage, with suspects presumed innocent until proven guilty.