Italian court orders extradition of Ukrainian Koznitsov over Nord Stream blasts to Germany
An Italian court ruled to hand over Ukrainian Sergey Koznitsov, accused of sabotaging the Nord Stream gas pipelines, to German authorities in execution of a European arrest warrant.
His lawyer, Nicola Canistrini, announced plans to appeal to the Court of Cassation, reaffirming that the defense will continue to address all aspects of international law and fundamental rights related to the case.
Italian police had arrested 49-year-old Koznitsov on August 21 following a request from the German prosecution. The suspect is considered a coordinator of the alleged operation, while he denied any involvement in the explosion in court, stating that he was in Ukraine at the time of the incident.
In September, the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed doubts over the narrative involving amateur divers, noting that carrying out such an operation would require capabilities possessed by major intelligence agencies. Additionally, Russian Foreign Intelligence Service chief Sergey Naryshkin stated that Moscow has “reliable information” indicating direct involvement of the United States and the United Kingdom in the explosions.
Related topics:
Polish Foreign Ministry praises release of suspect in Nord Stream sabotage, urges Druzhba pipeline review
