Condition worsens, pressure increases: what happens to Ukrainian Serhiy Kuznetsov after extradition to Germany
11 December 15:25
Ukrainian Serhiy Kuznetsov, who is suspected by German investigators of involvement in the bombing of the Nord Stream 1 and Nord Stream 2 gas pipelines, is being held in Germany in conditions worse than in Italy.
This was reported to Babel by his Ukrainian lawyer Mykola Katerynchuk, "Komersant Ukrainian" reports.
According to the defense lawyers, during the visit on December 10, Kuznetsov looked exhausted and lost even more weight than after the Italian period of arrest, when he was on a hunger strike due to violations of his right to a special diet. Despite the available court and prosecutor’s documents, the German side does not provide him with the necessary nutrition.
Communication isolation
Kuznetsov is practically deprived of the opportunity to make phone calls: calls are allowed only at the request of his lawyers. The first contact with his wife is scheduled for December 15, two weeks after his extradition. The defense considers such a restriction unjustified and violating the right to communication.
Accusations of psychological pressure
The defense lawyers claim that the German staff was “dismissive” and that they were exerting psychological pressure to obtain a confession. Katerynchuk emphasizes that his client refuses to admit any involvement in the sabotage.
Appeal against the conditions of detention
The defense plans to appeal the conditions of detention in court. During the extradition, the Italian side received assurances that Kuznetsov would be held in an institution that meets certain standards. However, the current state of the prisoner, according to the lawyers, indicates the opposite.
The lawyers are initiating a petition for his transfer to another prison, medical facility or temporary stay at the Ukrainian embassy. on December 10, they appealed to Ukrainian Ombudsman Dmytro Lubinets, expecting a prompt response.
Sabotage at Nord Stream and the international investigation
on September 26, 2022, three explosions occurred on the Baltic Sea gas pipelines. International investigators called it a targeted sabotage. Theories ranged from a possible Russian trace to the involvement of Ukrainian groups.
In August 2025, Germany issued arrest warrants for six Ukrainians, including Serhiy Kuznetsov. He denies the charges.
Italy approved the extradition despite the defense’s claims of Kuznetsov’s functional immunity as a military officer. Importantly, it was only in a letter from Ombudsman Lubinets to the Italian court that his service in the Armed Forces at the time of the bombings was officially confirmed for the first time.
Problems with interaction with European courts
Poland refused to extradite another suspect, Vladimir Zhuravlev, due to insufficient evidence and the “context of Russian aggression.” Germany did not appeal the decision.
Italy, on the other hand, approved the extradition of Kuznetsov, and on November 27, he was handed over to Germany, where he was arrested the next day.
