German federal prosecutors have filed charges against a Ukrainian citizen in connection with the 2022 explosions that damaged the Nord Stream 1 and Nord Stream 2 gas pipelines, according to international agencies citing the suspect’s legal team.
The blasts, which occurred in September 2022, caused extensive damage to key subsea infrastructure used to transport Russian natural gas to Germany and other European countries, ultimately leading to a full shutdown of the pipelines. Both systems are owned by Russia’s state-controlled energy company Gazprom.
German prosecutors confirmed to AFP that a suspect has been formally charged, although they declined to provide additional details regarding the case.
Media reports in Germany identify the accused as Serhii K., who is alleged to have coordinated the operation in the Baltic Sea. Investigators believe he led a group of seven individuals involved in the sabotage of the pipelines. He denies all allegations against him.
Serhii K. was detained in Italy in August of the previous year under a European arrest warrant. Since then, he has been contesting extradition to Germany and has reportedly gone on a hunger strike, claiming mistreatment during detention.
