Nord Stream sabotage – Germany

Germany's federal court for the first time officially links the sabotage of the Nord Stream pipelines to actions by Ukraine. In its ruling regarding the defense of suspect Sergei K. (a former Ukrainian special forces member), the court noted that the explosions were 'highly likely' carried out on the orders of a foreign state, pointing to Ukraine.

The defense argued that the attack had military significance and was part of a military operation. The court rejected this argument, stating that the pipelines were civilian infrastructure primarily serving gas supplies to Germany, and that the attack violated Germany's sovereignty.

Sergei K. remains in custody. This is the first public, official indication by a German high court of Ukraine's involvement in the case.

Context

The Nord Stream pipelines are the largest gas transportation project linking Russia to Europe and one of the key elements in Germany's energy policy.