Ukrainian Suspect Held in Germany Over Nord Stream Explosions

Serhii Kuznietsov, a Ukrainian, has been detained in Germany on suspicion of orchestrating explosions damaging the Nord Stream pipelines in 2022. The blasts heightened geopolitical tensions amid the Ukraine war. Kuznietsov, who denies involvement, was extradited from Italy following legal disputes over extradition across European countries.

German authorities have detained a Ukrainian man, Serhii Kuznietsov, suspected of orchestrating explosions that damaged the Nord Stream pipelines in 2022, escalating tensions over the Ukrainian conflict. The Federal Court of Justice in Karlsruhe issued an arrest warrant following an investigation into the undersea blasts.

Prosecutors allege Kuznietsov was part of a coordinated sabotage operation, using explosives placed from a yacht that sailed from Rostock, Germany. The boat was hired under false identities, implicating Kuznietsov in anti-constitutional sabotage and destruction of infrastructure.

Kuznietsov, extradited from Italy, maintains he is innocent, claiming to have been in Ukraine as an army captain during the incident. A Polish court's earlier decision reflects divergent European perspectives on the legal accountability surrounding military actions in conflicts.

(With inputs from agencies.)