German Prosecutors Allege Ukraine Ordered Nord Stream Attack

German federal prosecutors have accused a former Ukrainian soldier of orchestrating the sabotage of the Nord Stream gas pipelines in September 2022, alleging the attack was ordered by Kyiv. The accusation, detailed in a 62-page indictment filed at the Higher Regional Court in Düsseldorf, names a 56-year-old Ukrainian national as the alleged ringleader of a five-person team that used diving equipment to plant explosives on the seabed.

Prosecutors contend that the accused, identified only as 'A. K.', procured explosives and equipment, including a yacht named 'Andromeda' chartered from Poland, to carry out the mission. The indictment states that the team operated under the direction of Ukrainian intelligence services. The attack, which involved four separate explosions, severely damaged the Nord Stream 1 and Nord Stream 2 pipelines, halting the flow of Russian gas to Germany and significantly impacting European energy security.

While the indictment does not name specific high-ranking Ukrainian officials, it asserts that the operation was a "war crime" and that the accused acted on behalf of the Ukrainian state. The investigation has been ongoing since the incident, with German authorities collaborating with intelligence agencies from multiple countries. The evidence presented includes digital communications and financial records. The accused soldier is currently not in custody, and his whereabouts are unknown.

This development marks a significant escalation in the ongoing investigation into the Nord Stream attacks, which have been a subject of intense international scrutiny and speculation. Previous reports and investigations by various media outlets had also pointed towards potential Ukrainian involvement, though Kyiv has consistently denied any responsibility for the sabotage. The indictment aims to establish a direct link between the accused and the Ukrainian government, potentially leading to further diplomatic repercussions.