Nord Stream bombing trial opens; defense argues pipeline was lawful target

The trial of a Ukrainian national accused of bombing the Nord Stream pipelines has begun, with defense lawyers arguing the pipeline was a 'lawful target' because it served as a 'Russian weapon.' This legal argument could set a precedent for justifying attacks on critical infrastructure in conflict contexts. The case is significant as it tests the legal boundaries of targeting infrastructure and may influence future state and non-state actor behavior.