Former Ukrainian soldier faces trial for Nord Stream pipeline sabotage

A former Ukrainian special forces soldier has gone on trial in Hamburg, Germany, accused of blowing up the Nord Stream gas pipelines in 2022. He is the first person to face charges over the explosions, which damaged undersea pipes carrying Russian gas to Germany. Police arrested him in Croatia before bringing him to Germany. Prosecutors say the attack was planned to cut the money Russia earns from gas sales, because that money helped pay for its war in Ukraine. His lawyers say he cannot discuss his military work in detail, but will provide statements from senior officers. One of those officers is reportedly the person who planned the whole operation. A second suspect, named Zhuravlyov, may also face charges later.