Poland releases archaeologist Butyagin, wanted by Ukraine

Oleksandra Butyagin. PHOTO: WOJTEK RADWANSKI / AFP / East News

Poland has released Russian archaeologist Alexander Butyagin as part of an international exchange with Belarus, despite Ukraine's demand for his extradition.

This was reported by Polsat News and RMF24.

The exchange took place with the participation of several countries. In particular, a Polish journalist who had been held in a Belarusian prison was released as part of the exchange. In return, Poland handed over Butyagin to the Russian side.

Butyagin was detained in Poland on December 11 at the request of Ukraine, where he has been wanted since 2024. He is suspected of conducting illegal archaeological excavations on the territory of the temporarily occupied Crimea.

The scientist himself admits that he has been working on the peninsula for more than a quarter of a century, including after Russia's annexation, but does not admit guilt. He argues that he had permission from the occupation authorities of the Russian Federation, while confirming that he had never tried to obtain the relevant approvals from official Kyiv.

Alexander Butyagin is the head of the Hermitage's Northern Black Sea Ancient Archaeology Sector and has led an expedition to Myrmecia for many years. The Hermitage stated that he acted with the permission of the Russian authorities and "adhered to international standards." At the same time, the museum refused to fund his legal defense; the money for lawyers is being raised by the archaeologist's colleagues and supporters.

During the first court hearing in Warsaw on January 15, the archaeologist's defense stated that extradition to Ukraine allegedly poses a threat to his life and right to a fair trial. The lawyer also argued that the Ukrainian materials lacked a substantiation of the damage. The court rejected these arguments.

In February, a Polish court left Butyagin in custody until March 4.

Олеся Ланцман

Krim Poland archaeology

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