What to know about the Nord Stream pipeline explosions trial opening in Germany this week
Proceedings begin Wednesday at Hamburg’s Hanseatic Higher Regional Court. The defendant, a former Ukrainian army officer, is accused of involvement in explosions that damaged the Nord Stream gas pipelines linking Russia and Germany four years ago.
German prosecutors allege the suspect and others used a yacht departing from Rostock, rented through intermediaries with forged identification. They say at least four bombs were placed near Denmark’s Bornholm island at depths of 70 to 80 metres.
The blasts struck as European countries were reducing reliance on Russian energy after Moscow’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Nord Stream had also faced criticism from the United States and some allies over the dependence it created.
The case carries diplomatic weight: observers first pointed to Russia, while later claims have raised the possibility of Ukrainian security agency involvement. Ukraine and Germany are close allies.
A second suspect was arrested in Croatia in August under a European warrant and is seeking asylum there to contest extradition. The German trial will examine the allegations; the article does not state when a verdict is expected.
Key points
- Trial starts Wednesday in Hamburg for a former Ukrainian officer accused over the pipeline blasts.
- Prosecutors allege a yacht and at least four bombs were used near Bornholm.
- A second suspect is fighting extradition from Croatia while seeking asylum.