Sabotage Trial Over Nord Stream Pipelines Begins in Germany

The trial of Serhii Kuznetsov, a former Ukrainian soldier accused of leading the diving team in the 2022 sabotage of the Nord Stream natural gas pipelines, has begun in the German city of Hamburg.

Details of the Trial in Hamburg

In the trial held at the court in Hamburg, Germany, the prosecution stated that the defendant placed explosives on the seabed of the Baltic Sea under orders from state authorities.

Fifty-year-old former special forces officer Serhii Kuznetsov is accused of committing a war crime, launching an attack on civilian infrastructure, and disrupting public services.

Charges and Objections from the Defense

Kuznetsov is alleged to have prepared and detonated explosives at a depth of approximately 80 meters near the island of Bornholm in the Baltic Sea.

While the defendant and his country deny the charges, his lawyers argued that the pipelines were a weapon in Russian hands and demanded the dismissal of the case.

Process and Next Hearing Date

The explosions, which occurred on September 26, 2022, caused severe damage to the pipelines carrying Russian gas to Germany.

Kuznetsov, who was arrested in Italy in August 2025 and extradited to Germany, will have his trial continued on October 27.