Italy’s Supreme Court has affirmed the extradition of Serhii Kuznetsov, a Ukrainian national who was accused in the investigation into the sabotage of the Nord Stream natural gas pipelines. The court’s decision, which was made late on November 19th, supports the initial ruling by a lower court, ensuring the suspect will be transferred to Germany within the next ten days.
Kuznetsov is reportedly considered a key figure in the ongoing inquiry into the August 2022 incident, which saw the deliberate rupture of the Nord Stream pipelines, leading to significant economic and geopolitical ramifications. The Italian court’s support for the extradition request highlights the cross-border nature of the investigation and the international cooperation involved in such complex cases.
Although the exact details of Kuznetsov’s alleged involvement in the sabotage remain under investigation, the decision to extradite underscores the seriousness with which the case is being treated. The German authorities, who have been leading the investigation, will now proceed with the legal process to bring him to trial. This development adds to the ongoing discussions surrounding the security of critical infrastructure and the potential implications of such acts of sabotage on international relations and energy markets.