Russia Warns Poland Over Arrest of a Researcher Wanted by Ukraine

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.

Polish authorities have arrested Aleksandr B, a Russian archaeologist from the Hermitage Museum, at the request of Ukraine. He is accused of conducting illegal excavations and partially destroying the ancient city of Myrmekion in Crimea between 2014 and 2019, causing an estimated $4.77 million in damages. The arrest occurred in Poland on December 4th, and the Warsaw District Court has ordered him detained for 40 days while extradition proceedings take place. Russia has condemned the arrest, identifying the man as Alexander Butyagin and vowing to protect his interests. Ukraine alleges he conducted unauthorized searches and excavations at the archaeological site following Russia's occupation of Crimea in 2014.