A Ukrainian ex-soldier faces charges for leading the sabotage of Nord Stream pipelines in a suspected covert operation.

Germany’s Federal Prosecutor Jens Rommel has filed charges against Serhii K., a Ukrainian ex-soldier, for his alleged role in the sabotage of the Nord Stream pipelines. According to reports from ARD, Süddeutsche Zeitung, and Die Zeit, K. is accused of orchestrating attacks on civilian energy infrastructure, classified as a war crime under international law, as well as causing explosions and destroying structures.

Investigators claim K. led the sabotage team and commanded operations aboard the yacht ‘Andromeda,’ from which the explosives were deployed in September 2022. Evidence includes intercepted phone calls, incriminating data from K.’s mobile phone, and traces of military-grade explosives found on the yacht. The operation is suspected to have been carried out under orders from Ukrainian state entities, though top officials, including President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, deny involvement.