A former Ukrainian officer goes on trial over sabotage of Nord Stream pipelines

HAMBURG, Germany (AP) — A trial begins in Germany on Wednesday for a former Ukrainian army officer accused of sabotaging the Nord Stream gas pipelines that linked Russia and Germany in 2022. The attack is seen as one of Europe's largest acts of sabotage since World War II.

The suspect, identified only as Serhii K. at the trial, faces charges of causing an explosion, damaging property, disrupting public service, and being an "accomplice to war crimes" by targeting civilian infrastructure. Prosecutors allege the purpose was to permanently disrupt gas deliveries and prevent Russia from using the revenue to fund military operations.

The explosions on September 26, 2022, damaged both Nord Stream 1 and Nord Stream 2 pipelines. Nord Stream 1 was Russia's primary natural gas supply to Germany before Moscow halted deliveries in August 2022. Nord Stream 2 was never operational due to Germany's suspension of certification before Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

The suspect allegedly organized and executed at least four bomb detonations using bombs weighing between 14 and 27 kilograms near the Danish island of Bornholm. He was apprehended in Italy in 2025 and extradited to Germany in November. A second suspect was arrested in Croatia in August and seeking asylum there to contest extradition to Germany.

International observers initially blamed Russia, but Ukrainian officials insist their country played no role in the pipeline blasts. The German government has avoided commenting on the trial, stating the case is under the jurisdiction of an independent judiciary. The trial will take place at the Hanseatic Higher Regional Court in Hamburg with 16 scheduled court dates through December 2026 and more set for January and February 2027.