Butyagin to continue illegal excavations in occupied Crimea

Alexander Butyagin said that he would continue archaeological work in the temporarily occupied Crimea, despite the criminal prosecution by Ukraine.

This was reported by Holos Kryma.

According to Butyagin, the story of his detention in Poland did not affect his position on excavations on the occupied peninsula.

"If something had changed, it would mean that at least in a certain sense I recognized the charges against me, which I denied," he said.

Ukraine suspects Butyagin of violating the laws and customs of war by conducting archaeological work in the occupied Crimea without the consent of the Ukrainian authorities.

In 2025, Polish law enforcement detained Butyagin at the request of Ukraine. He is suspected of illegal archaeological work on the territory of the ancient city of Nymphaeum near Kerch. Ukrainian law enforcement officials believe that such actions violate international law and Ukrainian legislation, as cultural heritage in the occupied territory is protected by the state of Ukraine.

After being detained in Poland, Butyagin was released and returned to Russia.

Since the occupation of Crimea began, Russian archaeologists have repeatedly conducted excavations on the peninsula without Ukrainian permission. Ukrainian authorities and international organizations consider such actions as illegal interference with the cultural heritage of the occupied territory.

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