Ukraine suspect charged in Nord Stream pipeline sabotage case in Germany

Nearly four years after the Nord Stream pipelines were sabotaged, German prosecutors have charged a Ukrainian national as the alleged mastermind behind the attack. The suspect, identified as Serhiy K., faces charges including attacks on civilian energy infrastructure, causing an explosion, and destruction of property.

K. was arrested in Italy in August 2025 based on a European arrest warrant and subsequently extradited to Germany. He reportedly resisted extradition and went on a hunger strike, citing mistreatment. He has been in German custody since his transfer on November 27, 2025.

The sabotage in September 2022 severely damaged the Nord Stream 1 and 2 pipelines, which were built to transport Russian gas to Germany. The pipelines were not in operation at the time of the explosions near the Danish island of Bornholm.

German authorities believe K. coordinated the operation in the Baltic Sea. The State Security Senate of the Hanseatic Higher Regional Court in Hamburg will now decide whether to admit the indictment and set a trial date.