German Prosecutors Link Ukraine to 2022 Pipeline Attack

German prosecutors have officially accused Ukrainian state authorities of ordering the 2022 attack on the Nord Stream gas pipelines. This major development follows a long investigation into the explosions that damaged the underwater pipes, which were built to carry natural gas from Russia to Europe. The charges are expected to create tension between Kyiv and Berlin, as Germany is currently one of Ukraine’s most important military supporters in its ongoing war against Russia.

According to The Guardian World, the federal prosecutor’s office in Germany has charged a former Ukrainian army officer, identified as Serhiy Kuznietsov, with war crimes. He is accused of attacking a civilian site, causing an explosion, and disrupting public services. Prosecutors claim that Kuznietsov and other military personnel planned the operation on the orders of Ukrainian state authorities after Russia began its full-scale invasion in February 2022. The goal of the attack was to stop gas supplies and prevent Russia from using the money from gas sales to pay for its war efforts.

Deutsche Welle (DW) Top reports that the operation involved a team of professional divers, a boat captain, and an explosives expert. Prosecutors say the group traveled to Germany using fake passports and rented a sailing yacht named the "Andromeda" from a company in the city of Rostock. Investigators reportedly found traces of military-grade explosives on the boat. The team allegedly placed explosive devices with timers on the pipelines near the Danish island of Bornholm. These devices exploded on September 26, 2022, causing severe damage to the infrastructure.

Before the attack, the Nord Stream 1 pipeline was a very important route for energy, carrying about half of Germany’s annual natural gas needs. The second pipeline, Nord Stream 2, was built but had not yet started operating. At the time of the explosion, Russia had already stopped sending gas through the first pipeline, blaming technical issues and Western sanctions. However, European countries had accused Russia of using energy supplies as a weapon. The destruction of these pipelines permanently stopped the flow of gas through those specific routes.

Following his arrest in Italy in August 2025, the main suspect was sent to Germany to face trial. While prosecutors have presented a detailed case, the suspect has denied any involvement in the attack. His legal team has expressed confidence that he will be found not guilty in court.

In response to the news, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that his government has not yet received full details about the indictment. He noted that Ukrainian authorities will communicate with their German counterparts to learn more before making a formal response. For now, the Ukrainian government is waiting for more information.

This situation is particularly sensitive because Germany has become Ukraine’s largest national military backer since the war began. The German government has not yet provided an official comment on the specific charges against the Ukrainian state authorities. As the legal process continues, observers are watching to see how this will affect the relationship between the two countries. For a long time, the public and investigators were unsure who was responsible for the sabotage, with many different theories pointing toward Russia, the United States, or other actors. Now, the focus of the investigation has shifted clearly toward the role of Ukrainian military personnel.