Former Ukrainian officer goes on trial in Germany over Nord Stream pipeline blasts

A former Ukrainian army officer has gone on trial in Germany, accused of coordinating the 2022 explosions that damaged the Nord Stream gas pipelines in the Baltic Sea. German prosecutors allege that Serhii K. led a six-person group that used a rented yacht to reach waters near Denmark's Bornholm island, where divers planted explosives on or near the pipelines. Prosecutors argue that the attack targeted civilian infrastructure supplying Russian gas to Western Europe and constitutes a war crime. Serhii K. denies the charges, while his defence lawyers question the strength of the evidence, saying investigators found no DNA or fingerprints linking him to the operation. Ukraine's government has consistently denied involvement in the explosions. The trial presents a diplomatic challenge for Germany as it seeks accountability for the attack while maintaining support for Ukraine in its war against Russia. Proceedings are expected to last several months.

Al Jazeera's Dominic Kane reports from Hamburg.

Subscribe to our channel: http://bit.ly/AJSubscribe
Follow us on X: https://X.com/AJEnglish
Find us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aljazeera
Check our website: http://www.aljazeera.com/
Check out our Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/aljazeeraenglish/
Download AJE Mobile App: https://aje.news/AJEMobile

#NordStream #NordStreamPipelines #NordStreamSabotage #Germany #Ukraine #Russia #SerhiiK #BalticSea #Bornholm #PipelineExplosions #NordStreamTrial #WarCrimes