Ukrainian Charged Over Nord Stream Pipeline Sabotage

German prosecutors have charged a Ukrainian national, described as a former officer in the Ukrainian military, with playing a leading role in the sabotage of the Nord Stream gas pipelines. The explosions occurred in September 2022 near the Danish island of Bornholm, damaging both Nord Stream 1 and Nord Stream 2.

Nord Stream 1 and 2 are twin gas pipelines built to transport gas from Russia to Germany. Germany halted the use of Nord Stream following Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. The pipelines, with a combined capacity of 55 billion cubic meters per year, were designed to supply over 50 million European homes. The Russian state, through its main shareholder Gazprom, operates the pipelines.

Explosions were registered near Bornholm on September 26, 2022. Gas bubbles were observed on the sea surface for days, even though Nord Stream 2 had not yet been commissioned but was filled with gas. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen stated at the time that leaks were the result of deliberate actions.

Both Danish and Swedish police investigated the sabotage but closed their inquiries in February of the previous year. The accused Ukrainian denies any role in the sabotage, though German prosecutors allege he placed explosives on the pipelines with accomplices. A trial is expected to begin in the fall, according to German media.

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On the evening of September 27, Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen (S) said at a press conference that it was the clear assessment of the Danish authorities that the leaks were the result of deliberate actions.