Italy Approves Extradition in Nord Stream Sabotage Case

Italy's top appeals court has approved the extradition of Ukrainian national Serhiy Kuznetsov to Germany. Mr. Kuznetsov is suspected of involvement in the 2022 Nord Stream gas pipeline explosions. He is a former Ukrainian military officer and will face charges of anti-constitutional sabotage in Berlin. His transfer from Italy under German police escort is expected within days.

Allegations and International Context

German prosecutors allege that Mr. Kuznetsov coordinated and led a group responsible for planting explosives on the pipelines in the Baltic Sea in 2022. Prosecutors have not publicly disclosed specific evidence supporting these allegations.

The extradition of a Ukrainian national to Germany occurs within the context of Germany being a significant provider of military assistance to Ukraine within Europe.

Defence Statements and Arrest Details

Nicola Canestrini, Mr. Kuznetsov's lawyer, stated after a recent hearing that his client perceives himself as a "scapegoat." The lawyer also indicated Mr. Kuznetsov's disappointment regarding his government's lack of public statements in his defense or confirmation of his military service status at the time of the blasts. Mr. Canestrini suggested that if his client carried out the attack, it would have been under orders, referencing his alleged rank as a Ukrainian army captain. A copy of Mr. Kuznetsov's military identification has been reviewed among court documents.

Mr. Kuznetsov has not publicly commented on his involvement in the explosions. His lawyer has challenged the Ukrainian government to disclose Mr. Kuznetsov's whereabouts in September 2022, questioning their silence on both his innocence and potential involvement. Government and security sources in Kyiv have not provided comments when approached.

Mr. Kuznetsov was apprehended in late August in northern Italy while staying with his wife and two children at a glamping site near Rimini. His passport details, entered online upon check-in, were automatically forwarded to the local police (carabinieri), leading to his arrest later that night.