Germany indicts Ukrainian over Nord Stream pipeline blasts, German media report
Indictment and Investigation Details
BERLIN, July 1 (Reuters) - German federal prosecutors have filed charges against a Ukrainian national over the Nord Stream pipeline blasts, German media outlets ARD, Sueddeutsche Zeitung and Zeit reported on Wednesday.
Federal prosecutors declined comment.
Background on the Nord Stream Pipeline Blasts
The blowing up of the Nord Stream pipelines, which carried Russian gas to Europe, was a major flashpoint in tensions between Moscow and the West, and came months after Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
Accusations Against the Suspect
Prosecutors accuse the Ukrainian national, known only as Serhii K according to German privacy laws, of attacks on civilian energy infrastructure, causing an explosion and the destruction of structures, according to the ARD broadcaster.
Arrest and Legal Proceedings
The suspect was arrested in Italy's Rimini province on August 21, 2025, and transferred to Germany on November 27, 2025. A German judge put the arrest warrant into effect the next day.
Defense and Legal Representation
Serhii K has denied involvement. His lawyer Nicola Canestrini has said he is confident his client will be acquitted at a trial in Germany.
Law Firm Statement
A Berlin law firm that has previously spoken on behalf of Serhii K. as a client in Germany was not immediately reachable by phone for Reuters.
Reporting Credits
(Reporting by Kirsti Knolle, writing by Miranda Murray, editing by Thomas Seythal and Matthias Williams)
