German prosecutors accuse Ukraine of ordering Nord Stream pipeline sabotage

German prosecutors have accused Ukrainian authorities of orchestrating the sabotage of the Nord Stream gas pipelines in 2022, shortly after Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The accusation follows the indictment of a first suspect, identified as Serhii K., who allegedly worked with other military personnel to devise a plan to destroy Nord Stream 1 and Nord Stream 2 at the request of Ukrainian officials. The underwater pipelines were damaged by explosives in September 2022.

The suspect was arrested in Italy in August 2025 and extradited to Germany. Prosecutors claim that the suspect and his accomplices, including divers, a skipper, and an explosives expert, chartered a sailboat in Germany. They then sailed to the Danish island of Bornholm, where the team allegedly attached explosive charges to the pipes before detonating them.

According to the indictment, the objective was to permanently halt gas deliveries via the pipelines, thereby preventing Russia from using revenue from natural gas trade to fund its war effort. Nord Stream 2 was not operational at the time of the sabotage. Nord Stream 1, however, had supplied approximately half of Germany's annual natural gas needs prior to the invasion. Berlin has faced criticism for Nord Stream, launched in 2011, due to increased European energy dependence on Russia.

Ukraine has never officially acknowledged responsibility for the sabotage but has not concealed its satisfaction, deeming any attack that weakens the Kremlin's ability to finance its war as legitimate. The German investigation highlights the complex geopolitical implications surrounding the energy infrastructure and the ongoing conflict.