Picture courtesy of Swedish Coast Guard

 

Italy's highest appeals court has given the go-ahead for a Ukrainian suspect in the Nord Stream pipeline explosions to be extradited to Germany. German police are preparing to escort Serhiy Kuznetsov, a former Ukrainian military officer, from Italy within days. He faces a charge of anti-constitutional sabotage for allegedly orchestrating the 2022 blast between Russia and Germany.

 

The accusations against Kuznetsov could strain the already complicated relations between Ukraine and Germany, which plays a pivotal role as Ukraine's top military supporter in Europe. Kuznetsov's lawyer, Nicola Canestrini, argues that his client is merely a scapegoat and is distressed by Ukraine's silence on his military status at the time of the alleged offence. Canestrini states that Kuznetsov, if involved, would have acted under military orders.

 

Kuznetsov was apprehended in northern Italy in August while on a holiday with his family. His arrest followed an online check-in at a glamping site, which alerted local authorities. Meanwhile, the court released another suspect, Volodymyr Zhuravlyov, from detention in Poland, citing his act as self-defence against Russia's aggression.

 

Kuznetsov's legal team in Italy, disappointed by the court's decision, now plans to challenge the charge in Germany. The case has sparked emotional reactions, with Ukrainians viewing the pipeline's destruction as a blow to Russia's finances. A supporter outside the courthouse in Rome expressed this sentiment, labelling Kuznetsov as a defender rather than a criminal, reported the BBC.

 

 

 

Key Takeaways:

 

• Italy's court approves extradition of Ukrainian suspect to Germany.
• Kuznetsov faces sabotage charges related to Nord Stream pipeline attack.
• Legal team vows to contest charges, with emotional support seen outside court.

 

Related story:

Poland Arrests Ukrainian Linked to Nord Stream Pipeline Blast

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from BBC 2025-11-21

 

 

 

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