Germany places Ukrainian on trial accused of blowing up Nord Stream pipelines

A Ukrainian man has gone on trial in Hamburg accused of blowing up Russia’s Nord Stream fuel pipelines to Germany, 4 years after probably the most dramatic acts of sabotage in trendy European historical past.

Prosecutors say Serhii Kuznetsov performed a number one position in a staff of saboteurs that destroyed the pipelines, accusing him of a battle crime. His defence has known as for the case to be dismissed.

The case is extremely delicate in Germany, seen as considered one of Ukraine’s closest allies since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022, seven months earlier than the assaults occurred.

Extradited to Germany final yr, Kuznetsov denies the costs, as does a second suspect who’s combating extradition from Croatia.

Kuznetsov grew to become the primary suspect to go on trial for the blasts on Wednesday morning, and a packed public gallery seemed on as he entered the courtroom, showing relaxed.

He even smiled at occasions, together with throughout preliminary exchanges the place he spoke to substantiate private particulars similar to his identify and native land.

He had beforehand solely been recognized by German prosecutors as Serhii Ok and pictured along with his face blurred, earlier than the courtroom lifted an anonymity order on Wednesday.

Kuznetsov, 50, wore a pair of headphones and appeared to hear intently to a translation of proceedings in Ukrainian, because the prosecution learn out the costs towards him, of ordering divers and an explosive skilled to assault civilian roads.

The defence outlined their case, telling the courtroom that solely circumstantial proof had emerged within the 4 years for the reason that Nord Stream blasts.

They argued that as a soldier the defendant was sure to secrecy, and subsequently he couldn’t have a good trial wherein he spoke freely.

Prosecutors argue the case falls beneath Germany’s code of crimes towards transnational legislation as a battle crime, as an “assault by army means towards civilian objects”.

One of Kuznetsov’s legal professionals mentioned his extradition to Germany was flawed as no point out had been made on the time of the battle crime allegation.