A Bologna court delivered a significant ruling on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, ordering the extradition of a Ukrainian national to Germany. The individual, arrested in Italy last month, stands accused in connection with the 2022 sabotage of the Nord Stream gas pipelines, which transport Russian gas to European markets.
Serhii Kuznietsov, identified as a member of the Ukrainian armed forces at the time of the alleged incident, vehemently denies any involvement in a cell believed to have placed explosives on the underwater infrastructure. His lawyer, Nicola Canestrini, confirmed to AFP that Kuznietsov intends to challenge the extradition order before Italy’s highest court.
The Nord Stream pipelines, crucial conduits for Russian gas supply to Europe for many years, were severely damaged by massive explosions in September 2022. This incident occurred just months after Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, raising immediate geopolitical tensions.
Following the blasts, Western nations swiftly pointed fingers at Russia, which, in turn, retaliated by accusing Western powers of responsibility.
Kuznietsov maintains that he was in Ukraine when the explosions occurred and, according to Canestrini, will “appeal… the Bologna court of appeal’s decision to order his surrender to Germany,” emphasizing his client’s alibi.
German authorities, through their investigations, have reportedly identified a Ukrainian cell, comprising five men and one woman, as the alleged perpetrators behind the pipeline detonations.
Prosecutors in Germany claim that Kuznietsov utilized falsified identity documents to charter a yacht. This vessel, they allege, set sail from the German city of Rostock to execute the attacks on the pipelines.
In a formal statement, Kuznietsov’s lawyer, Canestrini, argued that the “military nature of the alleged acts entails functional immunity” under established international law. He further stressed that Mr. Kuznietsov’s documented status as “a member of the Ukraine armed forces at the relevant time… cannot be disregarded,” suggesting this should impact the legal proceedings.
When announcing the appeal, Canestrini raised concerns about “serious violations of our client’s fundamental rights” by the Bologna court, questioning the fairness of the process.
Specifically, he stated, “Kuznietsov was not allowed to personally attend his own hearings and was denied full access to the German case file, in clear breach of the right to a fair trial,” highlighting procedural deficiencies.
Furthermore, Canestrini asserted that “the interpretation provided during the hearings was wholly inadequate, severely impairing the effectiveness of the defence,” pointing to a potential communication barrier.
He concluded his objections by stating, “Fundamental rights — fair trial, detention conditions, functional immunity — cannot be sacrificed in the name of automatic judicial cooperation,” underscoring the importance of upholding legal principles.
The Nord Stream pipelines have always been a subject of considerable debate, primarily because they allowed Russian gas to circumvent traditional Eastern European transit routes, leading to Germany’s increased reliance on what was once perceived as affordable energy from Moscow.