Italy extradites Ukrainian suspected in Nord Stream Sabotage to Germany
Italy has extradited 49-year-old Ukrainian Serhiy Kuznetsov to Germany. He is suspected of organizing the 2022 sabotage of the Nord Stream gas pipelines. Kuznetsov was transported to Germany by helicopter after spending more than three months in pre-trial detention in Italy.
This was reported by the Federal Prosecutor’s Office of Germany, according to Spiegel.
A judge is expected to decide on pre-trial measures soon, likely ordering detention, after which Kuznetsov will face a trial in Germany.
Kuznetsov spent most of his detention in a northern Italian prison and repeatedly attempted to prevent his extradition, including through a hunger strike.
The Italian Supreme Court approved his extradition to Germany, rejecting the defense’s final appeal, clearing the way for his transfer in the coming days.
Kuznetsov ended his hunger strike after receiving guarantees that his dietary needs would be medically accommodated. He has been diagnosed with pancreatitis and celiac disease, requiring a vegan diet. His lawyer stated that Kuznetsov had refused food since October 31 due to an inadequate diet.
