A former Ukrainian military officer accused of orchestrating the 2022 explosions that damaged the Nord Stream gas pipelines has appeared before a German court, with his defence lawyers calling for all charges to be dismissed on national security grounds.
Serhii Kuznietsov, 50, went on trial Wednesday at the Hanseatic Higher Regional Court in Hamburg over his alleged involvement in the September 26, 2022, explosions that damaged the underwater pipelines connecting Russia and Germany through the Baltic Sea. The incident, widely regarded as one of Europe’s most significant acts of sabotage since the Second World War, occurred months after Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
Kuznietsov faces multiple charges, including causing an explosion, property damage, disrupting public services and complicity in war crimes through attacks on civilian infrastructure. German prosecutors allege that he played a leading role in planning and executing the operation, which involved placing explosives on the pipelines near the Danish island of Bornholm.
During the opening hearing, Kuznietsov’s lawyers argued that the charges should be dismissed because their client remains an active-duty Ukrainian military officer and is prohibited from discussing matters involving national security. Defence attorney Jes Meyer-Lohkamp told the court that Kuznietsov’s military superiors had explicitly instructed him not to make statements, including to his legal representatives.
The defence also challenged the classification of the pipeline explosions as an attack on civilian infrastructure. Lawyer Nicola Canestrini argued that the pipelines served as an instrument of Russian influence rather than merely a civilian energy facility. The legal team further maintained that war crimes allegations should instead focus on Russian military actions in Ukraine, including reported atrocities in Bucha and the unlawful transfer of Ukrainian children.
Prosecutors allege that Kuznietsov and several accomplices used a yacht rented from a German company under false identities to transport explosives to the Baltic Sea. The vessel reportedly departed from the German port of Rostock before the suspects allegedly planted at least four explosive devices weighing between 14 and 27 kilograms at depths of approximately 70 to 80 metres.
According to investigators, the objective was to permanently disrupt Russian natural gas deliveries to Germany and reduce Moscow’s ability to generate revenue for its military operations. However, Kuznietsov’s lawyers disputed the evidence connecting him to the yacht, arguing that his fingerprints were not recovered from the vessel and that no witnesses had identified him aboard.
The explosions severely damaged Nord Stream 1, previously a major route for Russian gas supplies to Germany, and Nord Stream 2, which had never entered commercial operation after Berlin suspended its certification shortly before Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Kuznietsov was arrested in Italy in 2025 while staying with his family and was subsequently extradited to Germany in November. Another suspect was detained in Croatia in August 2026 under a European arrest warrant and has sought asylum to challenge extradition proceedings.
The trial has attracted significant international attention, with more than 100 journalists accredited to cover the proceedings. Pro-Ukrainian demonstrators gathered outside the Hamburg courthouse to express solidarity with Kuznietsov, while emphasizing that the question of his guilt must be determined by the court.
The case has also revived longstanding disputes over responsibility for the Nord Stream explosions. Although some initial suspicions focused on Russia, subsequent investigations suggested possible involvement by Ukrainian security personnel. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has consistently denied his country’s involvement. Russia, meanwhile, has accused American and British intelligence agencies, as well as NATO, of participating in the sabotage.
Germany has declined to comment on the ongoing proceedings, citing the independence of its judicial system and the absence of a verdict.
The court has scheduled 16 hearing dates through December 17, with additional proceedings expected in January. No date has been announced for a verdict.
The trial is expected to draw continued international scrutiny because of its implications for European energy security, relations between Germany and Ukraine, and accountability for the destruction of critical infrastructure during the Russia-Ukraine war.
