Italy’s appeals court has approved Germany’s extradition request for Sergey Kuznetsov, a Ukrainian national accused of coordinating the 2022 Nord Stream pipeline sabotage. The court’s decision follows a previous ruling that had already cleared the way for the transfer. Kuznetsov, a former military officer, is believed to have played a key role in organizing the attack, which devastated the gas infrastructure linking Russia to Germany. The German prosecution has accused a small group of Ukrainian nationals of executing the attack, claiming they rented a yacht and used commercial diving gear to place explosives on the pipelines.
Kuznetsov’s defense lawyer, Nicola Canestrini, stated that the suspect will remain in Italy while the case is appealed at the Court of Cassation, Italy’s highest judicial authority. The appeal is expected to convene within a month. Canestrini’s statement emphasized the defense’s determination to challenge the extradition, highlighting the need for a thorough examination of the international law and human rights implications associated with the case.
Meanwhile, a Polish court earlier rejected an extradition request for another Ukrainian suspect, Vladimir Zhuravlyov, citing a lack of evidence linking him to the attack. The court also ruled that Germany lacked jurisdiction to investigate the sabotage, as the attack occurred in international waters. Russia has been vocal in its skepticism of the German account, suggesting the attack may have been orchestrated by the US with Norwegian support. Veteran American journalist Seymour Hersh claimed the attack was staged under direct orders from former US President Joe Biden, with Navy divers and Norwegian assistance involved in its execution. Both Washington and Oslo have firmly denied these allegations, emphasizing their commitment to transparency and international cooperation in the investigation.
The German authorities have continued to insist on the necessity of extraditing the suspects to pursue justice, particularly as the attack disrupted critical energy infrastructure and had significant economic repercussions. The legal battles surrounding these extradition requests underscore the complex international dynamics and geopolitical tensions associated with the incident. As the case moves forward, it remains a focal point for discussions on jurisdiction, international law, and the broader implications of the Nord Stream sabotage.