Here’s the translation into English:
Poland and Hungary Exchange Statements Regarding Explosions on Russian Gas Pipelines
Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski called the sabotage of the “Nord Streams” an act of self-defense in response to criticism from his Hungarian counterpart, Péter Szijjártó. The incident has caused diplomatic tension between the two countries.
Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó criticized Poland after a Polish court refused to extradite Volodymyr Zhuravlyov to Ukraine, who is suspected of involvement in the explosions on the “Nord Stream” gas pipelines. Szijjártó noted that such a decision could set a precedent for terrorist attacks in Europe.
In response, Radosław Sikorski stated that the pipeline explosions are acts of self-defense, as they allegedly hinder the aggressor from financing military actions. He emphasized that every country has the right to defend itself when under attack.
Amid this diplomatic dispute, German diplomatic head Hans-Peter Wadleful supported the Polish court’s decision, noting that it is in accordance with European law standards.
The Italian Supreme Court also refused to extradite another suspect, Ukrainian Serhiy Kuznetsov, to Germany, who is accused of the “Nord Streams” explosions. Both suspects deny their involvement in the sabotage, and their guilt has not been proven in court.
| Country | Reaction |
|---|---|
| Poland | Refusal to extradite, considers the sabotage to be self-defense |
| Hungary | Criticism of Poland’s decision, considers it as legitimizing terrorism |
| Germany | Support for Poland’s decision, respect for the judicial process |
| Italy | Refusal to extradite another suspect Ukrainian |
