Investigations into Nord Stream 2 Pipeline Sabotage

German authorities have asserted that one of the key suspects behind the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline sabotage has reportedly confessed to being a spy for Ukraine’s military and intelligence services during recorded conversations.

Serhiy Kuznetsov, who stands trial in Germany for allegedly orchestrating the September 2022 attack that damaged the pipeline, has been accused by prosecutors of admitting his involvement on behalf of Ukraine.

Despite Ukraine’s firm denial of any participation, investigators allege they possess recordings from Kuznetsov’s phone calls with his wife while he was in custody in Italy.

In those conversations, Kuznetsov, calling from prison, allegedly stated he acted on directives from the Ukrainian military and the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU), according to a report by a German broadcaster.

He also expressed feelings of being “abandoned” by Ukraine, including President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, following his arrest over the attack.

Moreover, German prosecutors claim that Kuznetsov attempted to reach a “commander” named “Roman,” thought to refer to Roman Cherbinsky, a senior intelligence official in Kyiv, who allegedly played a role in the pipeline bombing scheme.

Earlier reports indicated that Colonel Cherbinsky, a former special forces member, managed logistics for a team that reportedly utilized a rented yacht and diving gear to place explosives on both Nord Stream 1 and 2, significantly impacting energy flow from Russia to Germany and beyond.

It has been suggested that Cherbinsky received operational orders from “high-level Ukrainian officials,” including General Valery Zarzhiny, who was then Ukraine’s highest military officer.

Another claim suggested that President Zelenskiy was directly involved in the pipeline destruction plans but changed course once the CIA became aware of them. Notably, General Zarzhiny purportedly chose to continue with the plans regardless.

The destruction of the pipeline is considered one of the most significant attacks on modern infrastructure in the 21st century, surrounded by intense speculation. The U.S. and Russia are trading accusations regarding responsibility, with Russia previously seeking to implicate Britain, which London deemed a “false claim of epic proportions.”

Amidst this, there’s a growing belief in Germany that the attack was carried out from Ukraine. Even though the pipeline was not operational due to a gas supply cut by Putin in response to Western sanctions, the halt in affordable gas has affected Germany’s economy severely, pushing it to import more costly natural gas from other countries, like the United States. This situation has prompted some German politicians, including AfD leader Alice Weidel, to call for compensation from Kyiv for the repercussions on the German economy.