Ukrainian officer tried in Germany over Nord Stream bombing

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 14 Oct, 20:32 · Archive

A former Ukrainian military officer has gone on trial in Germany accused of leading the 2022 bombing of the Russian Nord Stream pipeline.

A former Ukrainian military officer went on trial in Germany on Wednesday accused of leading the bombing of the Russian Nord Stream pipeline in September 2022. Serhii Kuznetsov, 50, is alleged to have led a group of Ukrainian agents including divers and explosives experts that destroyed the 1,200-kilometre Baltic Sea pipeline, described as one of the biggest infrastructure sabotage operations of modern times.

Kuznetsov was arrested under an international warrant in Italy last year. Prosecutors allege he worked with members of the Ukrainian military to plan the operation on behalf of unidentified Ukrainian state entities. The pipeline had provided half of Germany's natural gas imports before Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine.

Kuznetsov's lawyer, Nicola Canestrini, moved to have the case dismissed, arguing that the pipeline was a 'Russian weapon' and therefore a lawful target. 'Is it unlawful to destroy an aggressor's infrastructure without harming any human beings?' Canestrini asked the court. Kuznetsov exercised his right to remain silent and has denied involvement in the blasts. His lawyers stated he cannot mount a proper defence because he is obliged to withhold Ukrainian state secrets.

How it is being reported

• Nord Stream may have been lawful target, lawyers argueA former Ukrainian army officer has gone on trial in Germany over undersea explosions four years ago that damaged the Nord Stream gas pipelines.The West Australian · 14 Oct, 20:05
• Nord Stream may have been lawful target, lawyers argueA former Ukrainian army officer has gone on trial in Germany over undersea explosions four years ago that damaged the Nord Stream gas pipelines.Perth Now · 14 Oct, 20:05

In this story: Serhii Kuznetsov · Nicola Canestrini · Germany · Ukraine · Russia · Nord Stream

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