Germany indicts Ukrainian soldier in Nord Stream pipeline attack case

German prosecutors have indicted a former Ukrainian soldier, suspected of playing a leading role in the sabotage of the Nord Stream pipelines in the Baltic Sea. The 50-year-old, referred to in German media as Serhii K., faces charges related to the explosions that damaged the gas pipelines connecting Russia and Germany in September 2022.

The suspect was arrested near the Italian coastal town of Rimini in August of the previous year, following a European arrest warrant. He was subsequently extradited to Germany and has been in pre-trial detention since November. Prosecutors allege that Serhii K., a former officer in the Ukrainian military, coordinated the sabotage operation. They believe he, along with accomplices, placed explosives on the Nord Stream 1 and 2 pipelines near the Danish island of Bornholm.

The trial for the Ukrainian national is anticipated to commence in the autumn. However, the accused has previously denied any involvement in the sabotage. The investigation into the pipeline explosions was also pursued by Danish and Swedish police, but those inquiries were closed in February of last year. The case remains a focus for German authorities seeking to determine responsibility for the significant damage to the energy infrastructure.