© Lindasky76/depositphotos Consuls visited Kuznetsov four times after his detention in Italy.
Ukraine has voiced its willingness to work together with law enforcement bodies in Italy and Germany regarding the inquiry that resulted in the arrest of Ukrainian national Serhiy Kuznetsov, while simultaneously urging his repatriation. This information comes from the Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
As per the ministry, since the Ukrainian’s apprehension, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been giving him necessary consular aid, staying in consistent touch with Italian law enforcement officials and the management of the correctional facility to ensure adherence to his entitlements and appropriate detention circumstances.
Following the announcement of Kuznetsov's hunger strike on November 5th, representatives from the Consulate General of Ukraine in Milan promptly engaged with him – marking their fourth meeting since his detention in August.
“During the 90-minute discussion, the diplomats assessed the Ukrainian's well-being, the terms of his imprisonment, the administration's conduct, and proposed extensive support,” the Foreign Ministry communicated.
The Ministry stressed its dedication to safeguarding the lawful prerogatives of Ukrainians and striving for their respect.
“Ukraine stands prepared to collaborate with both Italian and German entities within the investigative parameters, but insists upon the return of our compatriot to his native land,” the diplomatic institution emphasized.
As a reminder, Sergei Kuznetsov was apprehended on August 21st in Italy, following a request from Germany based on a European mandate related to the Nord Stream gas pipelines’ explosion. He was taken into custody at a hotel close to Rimini, and subsequently held in the city of Riccione. On September 16th, an Italian tribunal decided to extradite the Ukrainian to Germany, but the defense team lodged an appeal. Kuznetsov asserted that he was present in Ukraine during the time of the blasts.
On October 16th, the Italian Court of Cassation nullified the extradition ruling.
