Germany Seeks Confession from Ukrainian in Nord Stream Sabotage Case

Germany is reportedly trying to obtain a confession from Ukrainian suspect Serhii Kuznetsov over his alleged role in the sabotage of the Nord Stream gas pipelines.

According to Babel, Kuznetsov is being held in Germany after being extradited from Italy. German investigators believe he was one of the key participants in the operation that blew up sections of the pipelines in the Baltic Sea in September 2022.

Kuznetsov denies any involvement and says he was in Ukraine at the time of the explosions.

The report says German prosecutors are seeking a confession that could strengthen their case in court. His lawyers, however, argue that there is no direct evidence linking him to the sabotage.

In late November 2025, Italy’s Supreme Court approved the extradition to Germany of a Ukrainian man suspected of involvement in the sabotage of the Nord Stream pipelines in the Baltic Sea.

The Court of Cassation ordered a retrial before a newly constituted panel, which ultimately upheld the extradition request once again.

However, the suspect’s defense team appealed the ruling, citing procedural violations during the proceedings.

In late October, Serhii Kuznetsov started a hunger strike while being held in a maximum-security prison. His lawyer claimed that since his arrest on August 22, authorities had failed to provide a diet compatible with his medical condition, resulting in significant physical deterioration.

In January 2026, Germany’s Federal Court ruled that Ukraine was responsible for the sabotage of the Nord Stream gas pipelines in September 2022.

According to the court document, the explosions were “highly likely” carried out on behalf of a foreign state. The ruling specifically links the operation to Ukraine.

The court also ordered that Serhii Kuznetsov remain in detention. He is accused of launching a bombing attack that destroyed sections of the pipeline infrastructure. However, Kuznetsov denies any involvement in the sabotage.