Nord Stream Explosion: Italy Approves Extradition of Ukrainian Citizen to Germany

International Desk, PNN

Italy’s Supreme Court has approved Germany’s request to extradite Ukrainian citizen Sergei Kuznetsov (49). German authorities suspect he was involved as a coordinator in the 2022 Nord Stream gas pipeline explosions.

Kuznetsov denies the allegations, claiming he was in Ukraine at the time and was a former Ukrainian military officer. His lawyer, Nicola Canestrini, said the ruling means he will be handed over to Germany in the coming days.

Previously, Italy had suspended extradition due to errors in Germany’s arrest warrant, but the Court of Cassation later overturned the suspension and ordered extradition.

Kuznetsov was arrested in Rimini, Italy, last August during a vacation under a European arrest warrant and has been contesting it legally.

German prosecutors allege that using fake documents, Kuznetsov rented a yacht and planned an explosion near Denmark’s Bornholm island. Investigation records indicate he planted at least four bombs, each containing 14–27 kg of explosives, at depths of 70–80 meters.

The explosions severely damaged both Nord Stream 1 and Nord Stream 2 pipelines, halting gas transportation and causing a European energy crisis.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni received letters from several European parliamentarians urging the suspension of extradition, citing potential “functional immunity” if Kuznetsov acted as part of the Ukrainian military.

Canestrini said, “Despite the challenges, I still believe he will be acquitted after full trial in the German courts.”

If convicted, Kuznetsov could face up to 15 years in Germany. He is currently in a high-security Italian prison and recently protested his detention with a hunger strike.