A former Ukrainian army officer, identified in court as Serhii K., is set to stand trial in Germany this week over the 2022 explosions that damaged the Nord Stream gas pipelines. The attack, one of Europe's most significant acts of sabotage since World War II, disrupted the underwater pipelines carrying Russian natural gas to Germany.
Prosecutors allege that Serhii K., also named Serhii Kuznietsov in Italian extradition proceedings, organized the detonation of four bombs weighing between 14 and 27 kilograms at depths of 70 to 80 meters near the Danish island of Bornholm. The explosions permanently damaged Nord Stream 1 and Nord Stream 2, which were key routes for Russian gas exports to Europe.
The trial, beginning in Hamburg, includes charges of causing an explosion, damaging property, disrupting public service, and being an accomplice to war crimes. Prosecutors claim the attack aimed to cut Russian gas revenues, which were financing military operations in Ukraine. The suspect was arrested in Italy and extradited to Germany, while a second suspect in Croatia is fighting extradition.
Russia has accused the U.S. and NATO of involvement, claims denied by Washington. Ukraine has denied any role in the attack, with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasizing cooperation with international investigations. Security experts suggest evidence points to Ukrainian involvement, a politically sensitive issue given Germany's strong support for Ukraine.