The lawyer representing the Ukrainian suspect extradited to Germany in connection with the Nord Stream sabotage has portrayed his client as a person of remarkable calm and inner strength. According to the lawyer, the suspect’s resilience has impressed not only himself but also the prison guards. During his detention in an Italian prison, where he was held post-arrest in Rimini, the guards humorously referred to him as “James Bond.” The Ukrainian reportedly saluted them in a military fashion, as recalled by his lawyer, Canestrini.
Canestrini noted that he frequently visited his client, bringing him news and letters, including handwritten messages from Ukraine adorned with drawings and words of encouragement. One illustration, depicting a rainbow, was taken by the suspect when he was transferred to Germany, which the lawyer emphasized has become a symbol of hope for him. Canestrini remarked that he has never encountered a client who has handled their situation with such composure, often giving the impression of controlling it himself.
The lawyer is convinced that the only fair outcome would be an acquittal, arguing that convicting his client as the first “war criminal” in light of the aggression initiated by Russia would be absurd. He highlighted the widespread atrocities committed by Russian occupiers, particularly the events in Bucha, and rhetorically questioned whether it is justifiable to label someone a war criminal merely for allegedly disrupting energy supply lines.
Regarding phone calls in which the suspect allegedly acknowledged his involvement and claimed to act on behalf of Ukraine, Canestrini stated that such claims should be evaluated by the court, although he does not perceive any conclusive evidence. He believes the case is built on assumptions rather than facts.
Background
- Nord Stream 1 was halted and Nord Stream 2 never began operations due to sanctions. On the night of September 26, 2022, a leak was detected in one branch of the Nord Stream 2 pipeline in Denmark’s economic zone. Subsequently, leaks were noted in both branches of Nord Stream 1. Just prior to the leaks, seismic stations in Sweden and Denmark recorded underwater explosions.
- The suspect was arrested in August 2025 in the Italian province of Rimini and was later extradited to Germany. He denies any involvement in the explosions, with media reports suggesting he is enduring poor conditions.
- On July 1, 2026, it was revealed that German Prosecutor General Jens Rommel had brought the first charges against him related to the gas pipeline sabotage. A press release from the German prosecution the following day stated that the suspect allegedly acted on the orders of the Ukrainian authorities.
- On July 9, the Ukrainian Prosecutor General’s Office reported that there is currently no evidence linking Ukraine to the sabotage of the Nord Stream 1 and Nord Stream 2 pipelines.
