Rome, Italy – Italy’s highest court on Thursday approved the extradition of a Ukrainian national suspected of involvement in the 2022 Nord Stream pipeline explosions to Germany, paving the way for his potential trial there. The suspect, identified as Andriy Melnyk, was arrested in Germany earlier this year and an international arrest warrant was issued, leading to his subsequent arrest in Italy.
The handover marks a significant step in the ongoing investigation into the sabotage of the Nord Stream 1 and 2 pipelines, critical infrastructure transporting natural gas from Russia to Europe. The incident, which occurred in September 2022, caused ample environmental damage and heightened energy security concerns across the continent. Germany is leading the investigation, believing the attacks were a deliberate act of sabotage with perhaps far-reaching geopolitical implications. Melnyk is suspected of procuring equipment used in the operation, though details remain under seal as the investigation continues. His extradition allows German authorities to pursue prosecution and potentially uncover further details about the planning and execution of the pipeline damage.
