Germany has stood by Ukraine throughout Russia’s invasion. A trial over the Nord Stream explosions could put Berlin’s unconditional support to the test.

On October 14, 2026, the trial of Ukrainian national Serhiy Kuznetsov commenced in Hamburg. Kuznetsov, 50, faces charges for his alleged involvement in the September 2022 bombing of the Nord Stream pipelines. Prosecutors claim he coordinated a sabotage team that carried out the explosions, with Ukrainian state agencies commissioning the act.

Roman Chervinskyi, a security services officer, is identified as the organizer. Kuznetsov's defense team denies any involvement, stating they were in Ukraine at the time of the bombing. The trial, which could last "years," has significant international implications as Germany supports Ukraine against Russia. International law expert Clemens Fischer warned that a German court ruling establishing Ukrainian government involvement could make it difficult for Germany to continue its unconditional support of Ukraine.

Seven arrest warrants have been issued for suspected participants, with only one suspect, Volodymyr Zhuravlev, currently in custody. He was detained in Croatia in 2026, but a Warsaw court refused to extradite him due to insufficient evidence.