Horodetskyy meets with Ukrainian accused of Nord Stream II sabotage

Oles Horodetskyy, who chairs the Christian Association of Ukrainians in Italy, visited Ukrainian Cpt. Serhiy Kuznetsov, who is being held in a high-security prison in the city of Ferrara while awaiting an extradition hearing to Germany for allegedly partaking in sabotaging the underwater Nord Stream II pipeline that was supposed to link Russia with Germany.

The meeting was organized by Horodetskyy and at the behest of Dmytro Lubinets, the Ukrainian Parliament’s Commissioner for Human Rights (Ombudsman).

Italy’s Court of Cassation is scheduled to hear the defense’s appeal on Nov. 19. The Court of Appeals in Bologna has already authorized the extradition twice, responding to a Germany’s request that accuses Kuznetsov of involvement in the sabotage of the Nord Stream gas pipelines. 

Kuznetsov vehemently denies the charges.

“This is the second time I have met a Ukrainian soldier in an Italian prison, and the second time I have encountered a true Warrior and Hero,” Horodetskyy wrote after the four-hour meeting.

The leader of the Ukrainian community in Italy stressed that, as in the case of [convicted National Guard member] Vitaliy Markiv, there is no understanding of why the Ukrainian serviceman is being held under harsh conditions, “as if he were the most dangerous terrorist.”

Kuznetsov volunteered to serve on the front line on the very first day of the full-scale invasion in February 2022, even though he was exempt from mobilization due to having four minor children. 

He traveled to Italy with his family to support his son, who planned to study at a local university. 

He was detained on his first day in the country.

In Ferrara, Kuznetsov announced a hunger strike to protest the conditions of his detention, including being housed with smokers, unsuitable food (the soldier has Celiac disease and is a vegan), lack of access to Ukrainian news, and nearly complete isolation.

“During the hunger strike, Serhiy visibly lost weight, dropping about 10 kg [22 lbs],” Horodetskyy reported. Following numerous appeals, the situation has partially improved: Kuznetsov has been moved to a separate cell, and he is receiving appropriate meals and letters.

The soldier remains optimistic and clearly states his readiness to serve Ukraine: “I am ready to serve Ukraine and the Ukrainian People wherever I am needed.”

Horodetskyy delivered a letter to Kuznetsov from the Ukrainian human rights commissioner and materials from the Ukrainian media. He assured the Captain that “millions of Ukrainians around the world are closely monitoring the case and wish him the fastest possible release.”

The chair of the Christian Association of Ukrainians in Italy also announced that he has sent appeals to Italian authorities concerning the soldier’s rights.

“Serhiy Kuznetsov fearlessly and devotedly defended Ukraine. Now it is time for Ukraine to free its Warrior,” Horodetskyy emphasized.