Following a prisoner swap, a Hermitage archaeologist intends to resume excavations in occupied Crimea

Detention and Exchange of Alexander Butyagin

According to Главком: Alexander Butyagin, an archaeologist from the State Hermitage Museum who was detained in Poland at Ukraine's request, has returned to Russia as part of a prisoner exchange. Butyagin now plans to continue unauthorized excavations at the Myrmekion settlement, located on Cape Karantinny in the eastern part of the Crimean Peninsula. Ukrainian authorities accuse him of destroying the archaeological site of Myrmekion, causing material damages exceeding 200 million hryvnias.

The timeline of Butyagin's detention and exchange began on December 11, 2025, when Polish security forces apprehended him in Warsaw while he was in transit from the Netherlands. The arrest was based on an international warrant issued by a court in Kyiv. In March 2026, the District Court of Warsaw ruled that Butyagin's extradition was legally permissible. On April 28, 2026, Poland released Butyagin and handed him over to Russia as part of a five-for-five prisoner swap. Under the terms of this exchange, Belarus released Polish journalist Andrzej Poczobut.

Charges and Reactions

What is Butyagin accused of? According to Ukrainian law enforcement, repeated activities by the Myrmekion expedition have resulted in the deliberate partial destruction of the ancient city of Myrmekion. The estimated material damage exceeds 200 million hryvnias, equivalent to roughly 4.8 million US dollars. In Ukraine, Butyagin faces up to five years in prison and will be subject to proceedings in absentia. His case marks the first instance of a Russian academic being detained in the EU for plundering Ukraine's natural and cultural resources.

Ukraine has responded negatively to the situation. Commenting on his intentions, Alexander Butyagin stated:

“This season, I will once again lead the Hermitage archaeological expedition at the Myrmekion settlement.” - Alexander Butyagin

He also emphasized that “the arrest did not affect his plans, and he does not acknowledge the charges brought against him.” This situation has alarmed Ukrainian archaeologists and scholars, who believe Butyagin's activities could cause further damage to Crimea's cultural heritage.

The case of Alexander Butyagin underscores the strained relations between Ukraine and Russia, particularly regarding the protection of cultural heritage. Having returned to Russia, Butyagin expresses his intention to continue his work on territory that Ukraine considers its own. Amid the ongoing conflict, the issue of safeguarding archaeological sites has become especially critical, as the destruction of cultural heritage could draw international condemnation and harm scientific cooperation.

As the situation surrounding Alexander Butyagin unfolds, it is essential to understand the broader implications of his actions and the legal repercussions he may face. Following his return to Russia, Ukraine plans to continue prosecuting him in absentia for the alleged destruction of cultural heritage, highlighting the ongoing tension between the two nations over archaeological claims in the region.