The 2022 sabotage of the Nord Stream gas pipelines involved a team of Ukrainian divers who planned to pose as a film crew shooting adult content if stopped by authorities, according to journalist Bojan Pancevski in his book The Nord Stream Conspiracy. The operation, codenamed “Diameter,” allegedly received approval from high-ranking Ukrainian officials, including former commander-in-chief Valerii Zaluzhnyi, following the reported consent of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Both officials have denied involvement as German investigators continue to track suspects across Europe.
How did the “Diameter” operation function?
The sabotage team consisted of five individuals—four men and one woman—who arrived on the German Baltic coast in the autumn of 2022. According to Pancevski, the team utilized a cover story involving recreational diving to explore shipwrecks, renting a yacht to facilitate their movements. The inclusion of a female diver, who previously worked as a model for erotic magazines, was intended to bolster their secondary alibi: that they were an independent film crew.
The divers involved in the operation were required to be capable of working at depths of approximately 80 meters to reach the pipeline infrastructure on the Baltic seabed.
What is the current status of the investigation?
German law enforcement agencies are leading the ongoing criminal inquiry into the destruction of the pipelines. While the operation resulted in the loss of three of the four lines, investigators have focused their efforts on a group of Ukrainian citizens. As of the most recent updates, one suspect has been detained in Italy and subsequently extradited to Germany. Official reports indicate that the majority of the remaining individuals identified by investigators are currently located within Ukraine.
How do official accounts contrast with investigative reports?
There is a distinct gap between the claims made in recent investigative literature and the official positions held by the involved governments. While Pancevski claims that the operation was known to the highest echelons of Ukraine’s political and military leadership, both President Zelenskyy and General Zaluzhnyi have publicly denied any connection to the sabotage. German prosecutors have yet to publicly confirm the specific chain of command behind the operation, maintaining that their investigation is focused on the evidence gathered at the scene and the individuals involved.
When tracking international security incidents, distinguish between verified judicial findings from state prosecutors and allegations published in investigative journalism, as the latter often rely on unnamed intelligence sources.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who carried out the Nord Stream sabotage?
German investigators believe a group of Ukrainian citizens executed the operation. - Was the Ukrainian government involved?
While some reports allege high-level approval, President Zelenskyy and other officials have officially denied any role in the planning or execution. - How many pipelines were destroyed?
Three of the four lines of the Nord Stream pipeline network were rendered inoperable following the September 2022 explosions. - Is the investigation still active?
Yes, German authorities continue to pursue suspects, with one individual currently in custody following extradition from Italy.
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