Germany puts Ukrainian suspect on trial over Nord Stream pipeline explosions
A Hamburg court has opened the first trial over the 2022 explosions that damaged three Nord Stream pipeline lines. German prosecutors allege that Serhii K. and other Ukrainian military personnel planned the attack on behalf of Ukrainian state authorities; he denies involvement, and Kyiv says Ukraine was not involved.
Bottom line — The case will test whether prosecutors can prove an alleged link between the sabotage and Ukrainian state authorities.
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Prosecutors say the alleged plan aimed to stop Russian gas deliveries and prevent Moscow using gas revenue to finance its war.
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Investigators say the group used forged documents to hire a yacht, the Andromeda, and found traces of explosives aboard.
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The blasts took place on 26 September 2022 near Denmark’s Bornholm island, damaging three of the four pipeline lines.
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The Hamburg court has scheduled 24 hearings through late January, with further sessions planned for February.
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Serhii K. was arrested in Italy in August 2025 and extradited to Germany; he is identified in some reports as Serhiy Kuznetsov.
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A second Ukrainian suspect, identified as Volodymyr Zhuravlov, is in custody in Croatia as extradition proceedings continue.
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RFE/RL reports that the defence says prosecutors have not provided direct, conclusive evidence of Serhii K.’s involvement.
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The trial is politically sensitive in Germany, where the AfD and BSW have used allegations of Ukrainian involvement to criticise support for Kyiv, according to DW.