Kremlin Denounces Arrest of Russian Archeologist in Poland Linked to Ukrainian Charges

On Thursday, the Kremlin condemned the detention of a notable Russian archaeologist in Poland related to illegal excavation allegations made by Ukraine.

Polish news outlets reported that Alexander Butyagin, who leads the ancient archaeology department at the Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg, was arrested in Warsaw last week while traveling from the Netherlands to the Balkans for a series of lectures across Europe.

As a result, a Polish court has ordered Butyagin to be held for 40 days as Ukrainian authorities work on an extradition request.

In November 2024, Ukraine’s Prosecutor General’s Office accused Butyagin of illegally excavating an ancient Greek site in Crimea, which is currently annexed, without the necessary permits from Ukrainian officials, leading to the destruction of cultural heritage.

If extradited and found guilty in Ukraine, Butyagin could face up to a decade in prison.

He expressed astonishment at the charges from Ukraine, emphasizing his dedication to preserving archaeological sites for the public.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov characterized Butyagin’s arrest as an instance of “legal abuse” and pledged that Russian diplomats would work towards securing his release.

Peskov advised Russian citizens against traveling to Poland, alleging that they might encounter “complete lawlessness” there.

Maria Zakharova, a spokeswoman for Russia’s Foreign Ministry, stated that Russian diplomats had already visited Butyagin in jail, and his attorney intends to contest the “absurd” decision regarding his detention.

Since 1999, Butyagin has been responsible for archaeological work at the ancient Greek settlement of Mymekion in Kerch, Crimea.

Russia annexed Crimea from Ukraine in 2014.