Poland detained a Russian archaeologist from the Hermitage for excavations in Crimea

A scientist was detained in Poland for conducting archaeological research in Crimea

According to glavcom.ua: The Polish security service detained Russian scientist Alexander B., who is wanted by Ukraine for conducting illegal archaeological research in temporarily occupied Crimea. According to open sources, the detained Alexander Butyagin is the head of the Department of Ancient Archaeology at the Russian state Hermitage, who has conducted lectures in Europe.

In November 2024, the Prosecutor's Office of Crimea reported suspicions against the Russian for conducting illegal excavations in Kerch without the necessary permits. These actions caused damage to a cultural heritage site, with losses estimated at over 200 million hryvnias, according to the Prosecutor's Office.

In 2014, we began an expedition at a cultural heritage site in Crimea. We conducted illegal excavations that destroyed the cultural layer of the Ukrainian peninsula to a depth of almost 2 meters. - Alexander Butyagin

After the detention, the Russian citizen was interrogated by the Prosecutor's Office in Warsaw, but he refused to provide any testimony. The court decided to arrest and detain him for 40 days. It is expected that Ukraine will submit a request for the extradition of the detainee. Poland also informed the Russian diplomatic mission about this situation.

It should be noted that Li Won Chol, who in 2014 hung the Russian flag over the Luhansk Regional State Administration and intimidated local patriots, also received a suspicion of treason.

The detention of the scientist in Poland for conducting archaeological research in Crimea highlights the role of science in the political conflict between states. Ukraine continues to fight for the protection of its cultural heritage, opposing illegal actions and the destruction of historical sites in occupied territories.