An Italian court on Monday once again approved the extradition of Ukrainian national Serhii Kuznietsov to Germany over allegations of involvement in the 2022 Nord Stream gas pipeline explosions, his lawyer confirmed.
The Bologna Court of Appeals upheld Germany’s request, though Kuznietsov’s legal team said they will appeal the ruling before the country’s top court.
Background to the case
Kuznietsov has been held in Italy since August after being accused of belonging to a Ukrainian cell that allegedly planted explosives on the underwater pipelines linking Russia and Europe in September 2022. He faces up to 15 years in prison if convicted in Germany.
A previous extradition order in September was overturned by Italy’s Supreme Court, which found issues with the European arrest warrant issued by German authorities and sent the case back for review.
Kuznietsov, who claims to have been serving in the Ukrainian armed forces at the time of the incident, maintains his innocence, arguing he enjoys functional immunity under international law.
His lawyer, Nicola Canestrini, has alleged “serious procedural violations” in the proceedings.
German prosecutors have identified a six-member Ukrainian cell as the group responsible for the Nord Stream blasts.
