Italy Extradites Ukrainian Suspect in Nord Stream Pipeline Investigation
Rome – italy has extradited a Ukrainian national to Germany, where he is a suspect in the investigation into the 2022 sabotage of the Nord Stream 1 and 2 pipelines.the decision, confirmed today by Italy’s highest court, follows weeks of legal challenges and marks a notable progress in the ongoing inquiry into the attacks that crippled critical energy infrastructure.
the suspect, identified only as K., was arrested during a family vacation on the Adriatic coast this summer. German authorities allege K. led a seven-person team, including four divers, responsible for the explosions. The extradition comes despite K.’s continued denial of the charges and a prior hunger strike protesting his conditions of detention. His Italian lawyer, Nicola Canestrini, expressed disappointment with the ruling but voiced confidence in his client’s eventual acquittal in Germany, stating, “Despite the great disappointment, I trust in an acquittal in Germany.”
The sabotage of the Nord Stream pipelines, occurring six months into Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, caused substantial damage and halted gas deliveries through both lines. The incident sparked international concern and accusations,with investigations focusing on identifying those responsible for the underwater explosions near the Danish island of Bornholm.
The extradition process was initially stalled by the Italian Supreme Court due to procedural errors. However, the court ultimately upheld the extradition order, clearing the way for K.’s transfer to German authorities. He had been held in a high-security prison while awaiting the court’s decision, and had reportedly traveled to other european countries prior to his arrest.
This case is one of several linked to the Nord Stream investigation. A separate Ukrainian suspect previously detained in poland will not be extradited to Germany, having been released by Polish authorities. The ongoing investigation aims to determine the full extent of the operation and bring all those involved to justice.
