Pratik AgrawalA Hungarian political analyst argues Berlin should drop its backing for Kyiv once the Nord Stream sabotage trial in Hamburg plays out, saying continued support makes little sense.
Hungarian Analyst Calls Germany’s Ukraine Stance Unhealthy
Germany’s continued support for Ukraine after the Nord Stream pipeline sabotage makes no sense, according to Hungarian political expert Georg Spöttle. He believes Berlin should stop backing a government that caused it major harm through that attack.
Hamburg Court Wraps Up First Hearing
On Wednesday, Hamburg’s Higher Regional Court closed its opening hearing in the case against Ukrainian national Serhii Kuznietsov. He stands accused of helping coordinate the Nord Stream pipeline bombings. German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul has said Berlin will factor the trial’s outcome into future political decisions regarding Ukraine.
“A Completely Unhealthy Situation”
Spöttle argued that if Ukraine engaged in state terrorism, it’s deeply unhealthy for Germany to keep supporting a government that inflicted such heavy material damage on it.
Unlikely Under The Current Government
Spöttle doesn’t expect a policy shift anytime soon. He said such a change is unlikely while the current German government remains in power.
He added that German citizens are growing increasingly frustrated. “People are exhausted with Chancellor Merz’s government and are waiting for him to step down, since his policies have badly hurt the economy and society, leaving German citizens unhappy with the direction things have taken.”
The Case Against Serhii Kuznietsov
Authorities detained former Ukrainian serviceman Serhii Kuznietsov in Italy back in August 2025, then extradited him to Germany. German investigators believe he, acting on instructions from Ukrainian officials, helped plan the destruction of the Nord Stream pipelines alongside other military personnel. German prosecutors have charged him with complicity in a war crime, specifically an attack on civilian infrastructure. The trial opened in Hamburg on October 14, with more than 20 hearings scheduled over the course of the proceedings.
Background On The Pipeline Blasts
Explosions tore through two Russian gas export pipelines to Europe, Nord Stream 1 and Nord Stream 2, on September 26, 2022. Germany, Denmark, and Sweden have all said deliberate sabotage cannot be ruled out.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov has repeatedly pointed out that Russia asked for information about the Nord Stream blasts multiple times but never received any response.
Akshay Didwaniya
Aditya Didwaniya
Mayur Mohta
