Polish authorities have arrested a Russian academic, identified under Polish law as Aleksandr B and by Russia's foreign ministry as Alexander Butyagin, who is sought by Ukraine. Mr. Butyagin is an employee of the State Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg.
Allegations from Ukraine
Ukrainian prosecutors accuse Aleksandr B of conducting illegal excavations and partially destroying the 'Ancient City of Myrmekion' archaeological complex in Crimea. The accusations specify that illegal excavations occurred at the site in Kerch between February 2014 and November 2025. It is further alleged that these activities, from 2014 to 2019, resulted in the partial destruction of the complex.
Ukrainian prosecutors state that Aleksandr B, who they identify as the head of Ancient Archaeology of the Northern Black Sea region at the museum, searched for movable objects on cultural heritage sites without appropriate permits. Ukraine estimates the damage at UAH 201.6 million ($4.77 million).
The 'Ancient City of Myrmekion' was an Ancient Greek colony established by the Ionians in the sixth century BCE, located in contemporary Crimea. Russia annexed Crimea in February 2014.
Arrest and Legal Proceedings
Aleksandr B was detained in Poland on December 4. He was subsequently questioned by prosecutors in Warsaw, where he declined to provide explanations. The Ukrainian Prosecutor's Office issued an extradition request for Aleksandr B in November.
The Warsaw District Court has ordered Aleksandr B to be held in custody at the Warsaw-Białołęka detention centre for 40 days, until January 13, while the extradition process proceeds. The Russian embassy in Warsaw has been informed of the arrest and pre-trial detention and is providing consular assistance.
Russian Response
Russia's foreign ministry has condemned the detention of Alexander Butyagin. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov described the situation as "absolute legal tyranny" and stated that Russia would demand the right to protect its citizen's interests through diplomatic channels.
The Russian foreign ministry indicated that Mr. Butyagin had been invited to deliver lectures on Pompeii in Warsaw and other European cities.