Detained Ukrainian Accuses Italy of Coercing Confession in Nord Stream Case

Tue Nov 11 2025 03:06:48 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Ukrainian former military officer Serhiy Kuznetsov claims he faces mistreatment in an Italian prison while under suspicion for the Nord Stream pipeline explosions, leading to a hunger strike.

Serhiy Kuznetsov, a former Ukrainian military officer detained in Italy for alleged involvement in the sabotage of the Nord Stream gas pipelines, accuses the Italian authorities of subjecting him to mistreatment to force a confession. As he enters his hunger strike's tenth day, Kuznetsov expresses concerns over his treatment and calls for attention to his plight.

Serhiy Kuznetsov, a former Ukrainian military officer, is on the 10th day of a hunger strike in an Italian prison, where he claims he is being mistreated to coerce a confession regarding the 2022 explosions of Russia's Nord Stream gas pipelines under the Baltic Sea. Arrested in August under a German warrant, Kuznetsov asserts that he has been treated unfairly and is being held in a high-security facility alongside suspected Islamic State members.

In a letter shared with the media by his lawyer, Kuznetsov expressed feeling like 'criminal no.1' and criticized the Italian authorities for ignoring his dietary preferences as a vegetarian. He believes these restrictions are aimed at breaking his resolve and eliciting a false confession, declaring, 'Such efforts are futile.'

A relative revealed attempts to send him special food were blocked, leading to concerns about his health, as he reportedly lost sight of 9 kilograms. Kuznetsov has been vocal about his disdain for the harsh conditions of imprisonment, exercising under armed guard, and enduring maximum restrictions.

The Nord Stream pipelines were severely damaged during a time of heightened tensions following Russia's escalation of the Ukraine conflict, raising suspicions of foul play. Initially, many speculated Russian involvement, alleging attempts to leverage Europe's energy dependency. However, German prosecutors later issued arrest warrants for Kuznetsov and a second individual, Volodymyr Zhuravlyov, who is detained in Poland.

While Ukrainian officials have consistently denied any involvement in the attack, political tensions surrounding his case continue to escalate. Kuznetsov's lawyer has criticized the Ukrainian government for inadequate support, conveying a sentiment of abandonment. The final appeal hearing in Italy for Kuznetsov is scheduled in the coming weeks.

Kuznetsov, while expressing love for his country, also understands the larger issues facing Ukraine during this ongoing conflict. The case remains a complex and sensitive international legal matter, entwined with issues of human rights and geopolitical ramifications.