Russia Warns Poland Over Arrest of a Researcher Wanted by Ukraine

New York Times - WorldCenter-LeftEN 2 min read 100% complete by Valerie HopkinsDecember 11, 2025 at 05:52 PM

AI Summary

medium article 2 min

Poland detained Alexander Butyagin, a Russian archaeologist, on a Ukrainian warrant. Butyagin, who works for the State Hermitage Museum, oversees archaeological research on an ancient Greek site in Crimea, which Russia annexed from Ukraine in 2014. Ukraine considers any archaeological work there since 2014 illegal and accuses Butyagin of destroying cultural heritage. The Kremlin condemned the arrest and threatened Poland with unspecified consequences. A Polish court ordered Butyagin detained for 40 days while Ukraine prepares an extradition request, potentially leading to a ten-year prison sentence if convicted.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Crimea ×260% Ukraine ×470% Poland ×380% Alexander Butyagin ×5100% Russia ×4100%

Keywords

archaeologist arrest 100% russia 90% poland 90% ukraine 90% crimea 80% illegal excavation 70% cultural heritage 60% extradition request 50% political conflict 50% myrmekion 40%