Ukrainian ex-officer goes on trial in Germany over Nord Stream blasts

A Ukrainian former military officer, Serhii K., is standing trial in Germany, accused of organizing the secret operation that blew up the Nord Stream gas pipelines in 2022, cutting Western Europe off from Russian natural gas. The trial began in Hamburg and is expected to continue until February 2027. It is the first public hearing of evidence in a years-long investigation, with Serhii K. denying involvement. Prosecutors allege he coordinated with Ukrainian agents, traveling through Poland on a forged passport to deploy explosives near Bornholm using a boat from Rostock.