Alexander Butyagin Detained in Warsaw Amidst Ukrainian Extradition Request Over Crimean Archaeological Activities
Alexander Butyagin is currently detained in Warsaw awaiting a Polish court decision regarding his extradition to Ukraine. Butyagin has led the Hermitage expedition at the archaeological site of Myrmekion in Crimea since 1999. The site itself dates back to the 6th Century BC.
Ukraine has issued a criminal case against Butyagin for illegal excavations and illegal partial destruction of an archaeological complex. Kyiv ordered his arrest in absentia in April 2025 after placing him on a wanted list in November 2024.
Under the Hague Convention Protocol 2, occupying authorities are required to prohibit archaeological excavations except under narrow exceptions. Both Poland and Ukraine are parties to this protocol, whereas Russia is not.
Supporters of the Hermitage expedition argue that Butyagin's work preserves Crimea’s ancient heritage. However, critics accuse him of looting or exploiting the occupied territory.
Artifacts from Myrmekion are believed to be kept in Crimea or transferred to the Eastern Crimean Museum in Kerch. Since Russia's annexation, the collection is considered part of Russia’s museum fund. This conflicts with Ukrainian law, which requires discoveries to be part of Ukraine’s museum fund.
European courts have demonstrated reluctance to extradite Russians to Ukraine due to concerns related to the European Court of Human Rights. This case highlights ongoing tensions between international law, custody rights, and the roles of museums in wartime contexts.
