Court Orders Extradition Over Nord Stream Pipeline Attacks

An Italian court has decided to extradite a Ukrainian national to Germany over suspicions of his involvement in the sabotage of the Nord Stream gas pipelines in the Baltic Sea last year. The suspect, known as Serhii K. due to German privacy regulations, plans to challenge the ruling through a higher court.

Arrested near Rimini, Italy, Serhii K. allegedly coordinated explosions that crippled Russian gas supplies to Europe, intensifying the Ukraine conflict by impacting energy distribution across the continent. His defense highlights concerns over basic rights and judicial procedures.

German authorities have charged Serhii K. with collusion, anti-constitutional sabotage, and destruction of crucial infrastructure. While both Moscow and Western powers have labeled the attacks as sabotage, responsibility for the blasts has not been claimed, with Ukraine denying involvement.

(With inputs from agencies.)