Russian Igor Churkin, whose possible extradition to Ukraine is under review, is set to testify before an asylum commission in Argentina. His attorney, Christian Rubilar, confirmed this development and provided details about the upcoming proceedings. The testimony is scheduled for February 23, and Rubilar noted that a favorable outcome from the commission could prevent extradition to Ukraine.
Churkin’s legal team has also filed a request before the Argentine court seeking citizenship for him, a move that would allow him to pursue his case within a Latin American legal framework. The goal is to secure a path for trial in a country that affords him the rights and protections applicable to Argentine citizens, should the matter proceed in his favor.
On February 6, Natalia Pustovalova, who heads the Consular Section at the Russian Embassy in Buenos Aires, reported that Churkin had asked Argentinian authorities for political asylum. This request adds another layer of complexity to the ongoing legal and diplomatic discussions surrounding his case.
Earlier reports indicated that Churkin was detained at Buenos Aires airport following a request from Ukraine. He was subsequently released by the Argentine court on the condition that he would remain in the country and adhere to a commitment not to depart until the legal process progressed. This release underscored the balancing act between international enforcement and Argentina’s judicial procedures.
Ukrainian law enforcement officials have alleged that Churkin engaged in attempts to maintain a business presence in Ukraine at the expense of state financial interests. The authorities contend that these actions constituted fraudulent activity, contributing to the disputed nature of his case and the calls for extradition. Rubilar has previously stated that extradition to Kiev was unlikely, emphasizing the nuanced interpretation of international law and the specific circumstances of Churkin’s situation.