Archive · 11 Dec 2025
Poland Detains Russian Archaeologist Accused by Ukraine
Poland has detained a Russian archaeologist named Alexander B. (Butyagin) because Ukraine says he took historical items from Crimea without permission.
Ukraine claims he caused a lot of damage and took 30 gold coins.
Poland is holding him for 40 days while they wait for Ukraine to officially ask for him to be sent there.
Russia is upset and says Poland is being unfair.
They want him released right away.
The archaeologist was in Poland to give lectures about history.
Poland detained Russian archaeologist Alexander B. (Butyagin) on December 4 on accusations of unauthorized excavation and plundering artefacts in Crimea.
Ukraine claims his team caused over $4.73 million in damage and seized 30 gold coins, including those inscribed with Alexander the Great's name.
Polish court ordered his custody for 40 days while awaiting Ukraine's extradition request.
Russia condemned the detention, calling it politically motivated and demanded his immediate release.
Butyagin was in Poland to deliver lectures on the 'Last Day of Pompeii' in Warsaw and other European cities.
- Who
- Alexander B. (Butyagin), a Russian archaeologist and employee of the State Hermitage Museum
- What
- Detained by Polish authorities on accusations of unauthorized excavation and plundering artefacts in Crimea
- When
- Detained on December 4, court ordered custody for 40 days
- Where
- Warsaw, Poland
- Why
- Ukraine accuses him of damaging cultural heritage and stealing artefacts from Crimea
- Detained Person
- Alexander B. (Butyagin)
- Accusations
- Unauthorized excavation and plundering artefacts in Crimea
- Estimated Damage
- Over 200 million hryvnias ($4.73 million)
- Artefacts Seized
- 30 gold coins, 26 inscribed with Alexander the Great's name
- Detention Duration
- 40 days
- Location of Detention
- Warsaw, Poland
- Russian Response
- Demanded immediate release, called it politically motivated
- Ukrainian Action
- Awaiting extradition request