German prosecutors charge Ukrainian suspect in Nord Stream pipeline sabotage

German prosecutors announced Wednesday they have charged a suspect in the 2022 sabotage of the Nord Stream gas pipeline. The suspect, a Ukrainian national, is accused of leading the operation that damaged the crucial energy link between Russia and Europe.

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attacks on civilian energy infrastructure, causing an explosives detonation, and demolition of built structures

Federal prosecutors confirmed the charges, which media reports identify the suspect as Serhii Kuznietsov. He was reportedly arrested in Italy in summer 2025 and extradited to Germany the following November. Kuznietsov's legal team confirmed he faces charges including "attacks on civilian energy infrastructure, causing an explosives detonation, and demolition of built structures."

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overwhelming

Investigators believe Kuznietsov commanded the yacht used in the sabotage. Evidence against him is described as "overwhelming," with reports suggesting he incriminated himself during phone calls from Italian custody. Prosecutors previously stated he used forged documents to charter a yacht from Rostock for the operation. Traces of military explosives were reportedly found on the yacht, and seven suspects have been identified, one of whom died fighting Russia.

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The evidence gathered against him is described as "overwhelming", as he allegedly incriminated himself during phone calls he made to relatives and acquaintances when he was in custody in Italy.

Last year, a Polish court denied a German extradition request for another Ukrainian suspect. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has stated his government had no knowledge of any plan to destroy the pipelines.

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The law firm representing him confirmed to AFP that their client was being charged with "attacks on civilian energy infrastructure, causing an explosives detonation, and demolition of built structures".