Archive · 13 Jan 2026
Russia Demands Release of Detained Archaeologist from Poland
A Russian archaeologist named Alexander Butyagin was arrested by Poland last month because Ukraine says he was digging up and taking historical items without permission in Crimea.
Russia is very upset and told Poland to let him go.
Butyagin works for a famous museum in St. Petersburg and has been working in Crimea for a long time.
Russia says all the items he found went to a museum in Crimea.
Ukraine is upset because it says Russia has been taking historical items from Crimea and other parts of Ukraine since the war started in 2022.
Russia says the charges are silly and wants Butyagin released right away.
Russia summoned Poland's ambassador to protest the detention of Russian archaeologist Alexander Butyagin.
Butyagin was arrested by Poland at Ukraine's request for alleged unauthorized excavations and plundering of historical artefacts in Crimea.
Russia demands Butyagin's immediate release, stating he has been working in Crimea for decades and all finds were transferred to a local museum.
Ukraine accuses Russia of taking historical items from Crimea and other parts of Ukraine since the 2022 invasion.
Russia calls the Ukrainian charges 'absurd' and warns against extraditing Butyagin to Ukraine.
- Who
- Alexander Butyagin, a Russian archaeologist employed by the Hermitage Museum
- What
- Detention of Butyagin by Poland at Ukraine's request
- When
- January 13, 2024 (summons), last month (detention)
- Where
- Poland, with excavations in Crimea
- Why
- Ukraine accuses Butyagin of unauthorized excavations and plundering historical artefacts in Crimea
- Archaeologist's Name
- Alexander Butyagin
- Archaeologist's Employer
- Hermitage Museum, St. Petersburg
- Location of Excavations
- Crimea
- Accusing Country
- Ukraine
- Charges
- Unauthorized excavations and plundering historical artefacts
- Date of Summons
- January 13, 2024
- Russian Response
- Demanded immediate release and protested the detention