In the context of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, Dmitry Lagovsky fled from Russia to Serbia with his family in 2022 due to the full-scale invasion launched by Russia. The family made this choice to escape the violence, emphasizing that fighting was not an option for them. Lagovsky expressed his concerns about potentially being returned to Russia, where Russian authorities allege he is under suspicion for fraud related to a contract drafted when he worked as a lawyer. This legal situation has come to a head as the Belgrade Court of Appeal recently upheld the decision to potentially extradite him to Russia. The extradition request arises from a case initiated after Lagovsky relocated to Serbia, where he has been living with his wife and two children. He maintains that he is not a criminal and that the accusations are unfounded. His legal troubles began in April 2025 when he received a notice indicating that he was wanted by Russian authorities. Following a 21-day detention ordered by the Serbian court, Lagovsky took steps to seek asylum in Serbia, believing it crucial for his family’s safety and well-being. Despite the potential extradition looming over him, Lagovsky has yet to receive any responses to his asylum application submitted to the Serbian Internal Affairs Ministry. The complexities surrounding his case reflect a broader trend of Russian emigration following the invasion, with estimates suggesting a million Russians have left the country since then. Among the expatriate community in Serbia, a significant number are Russians who have left due to their opposition to the war in Ukraine, yet many are finding it challenging to secure residency or navigate the legal landscape. As the extradition process advances, Lagovsky faces the personal dilemma of potentially being compelled to fight against his homeland of Ukraine, where many of his friends and family live. The case raises substantive questions about the treatment of those fleeing from political persecution and the implications of international legal agreements between countries such as Serbia and Russia. As the deadline nears for a final decision from Serbia’s Justice Ministry, Lagovsky’s future remains uncertain, entwined with the conflict that continues to impact countless lives in the region.