• Italy's Supreme Court has approved the extradition of Serhii Kuznietsov to Germany.
• Kuznietsov is accused of coordinating the 2022 Nord Stream pipeline explosions.
• His lawyer argues he is a "scapegoat" and claims immunity under international law.

Italy’s top appeals court has officially sanctioned the extradition of Ukrainain suspect Serhii Kuznietsov, who is accused of being involved in the explosions that damaged the Nord Stream gas pipelines between Russia and Europe in 2022. The court's verdict marks the conclusion of Kuznietsov's legal battles against his extradition, which began after his arrest in Rimini in August 2022. His lawyer stated that Kuznietsov will be transferred to German authorities in the coming days, despite his denial of any involvement in the attacks, according to Reuters and BBC.

Prosecutors in Germany allege that Kuznietsov coordinated a group that placed explosives on the underwater pipelines, an action that severed gas transmission from Russia to Europe and heightened energy supply concerns across the continent. The case is expected to strain relations between Ukraine and Germany, with Kuznietsov's lawyer expressing sadness over the lack of support from Ukrainian officials, which further complicates his client's defense, according to Al Jazeera and BBC.

Kuznietsov's extradition comes amid significant concerns regarding the political implications of his prosecution. His lawyer noted that "great disappointment" remains, but he is optimistic about an acquittal in Germany. Furthermore, he contends that the extradition disregards potential "functional immunity" under international law due to Kuznietsov’s military background, a point echoed by several members of the European Parliament who have called for justification of his extradition, according to Reuters, Al Jazeera, and BBC.