Italy Approves Extradition of Ukrainian Nord Stream Sabotage Suspect to Germany Amid Immunity Claims

Italian Court Approves Nord Stream Sabotage Suspect's Extradition to Germany

The Italian Supreme Court has given the green light for the extradition of Ukrainian national Serhii Kuznietsov to Germany. Kuznietsov, 49, is a key suspect in the 2022 sabotage of the Nord Stream gas pipelines, an incident that severely impacted Europe's energy supply and geopolitical landscape. He vehemently denies any involvement in the explosions that damaged both Nord Stream 1 and Nord Stream 2 pipelines in the Baltic Sea.

A Complex Legal Battle Unfolds

Kuznietsov, a former Ukrainian military officer, has been held in a high-security Italian jail since his arrest in Rimini, Italy, in August. He was vacationing with his family when detained on a European arrest warrant. This latest decision from Italy's Supreme Court of Cassation overturns an earlier block on his extradition last month, which was due to an issue with the German arrest warrant. His lawyer, Nicola Canestrini, confirmed that Kuznietsov would be transferred to Germany "within the next few days," expressing disappointment but maintaining confidence in an acquittal following a full trial.

Allegations and Denials

German prosecutors accuse Kuznietsov of orchestrating the attack, alleging he used forged identity documents to charter a yacht from Rostock, Germany. This vessel was purportedly used to plant 14kg to 27kg of explosives on the pipelines near the Danish island of Bornholm on September 26, 2022. The explosions caused multiple ruptures at depths of 70 to 80 meters, halting gas transport through the vital infrastructure.

Kuznietsov, however, asserts his innocence, claiming he was serving in the Ukrainian armed forces and was in Ukraine at the time of the incident. His defense team argues that this would grant him "functional immunity" under international law, a claim strongly supported by some European Parliament members.

International Scrutiny and Calls for Immunity

Earlier this month, several MEPs addressed a letter to Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, voicing significant concerns about the extradition. They argued that the pipeline destruction might be seen as a legitimate act of defense against Russia's aggression in Ukraine, potentially falling under "lawful conduct of a just war" from an international law perspective. The MEPs urged Italy to halt the extradition until the functional immunity and state responsibility claims could be independently and thoroughly assessed.

The Wider Investigation

Kuznietsov faces potential charges in Germany, including collusion to cause an explosion, sabotage, and destruction of important structures, carrying a sentence of up to 15 years. His case is not isolated; last month, a Polish court refused to extradite another Ukrainian suspect linked to the blasts, ordering his immediate release. Six other individuals suspected in the Nord Stream case remain at large, highlighting the ongoing, complex international investigation into the unprecedented act of industrial sabotage. Kuznietsov himself staged a hunger strike while in Italian custody to protest his prison conditions, underscoring the high stakes involved in this unfolding international drama.