Alexander Butyagin Detained in Warsaw Over Alleged Illegal Excavations in Crimea
Alexander Butyagin, a senior archaeologist from the Hermitage Museum, is currently detained in Warsaw as he awaits a Polish court decision on extradition to Ukraine. Butyagin has led archaeological excavations at the Myrmekion site in Crimea since 1999, continuing his work even after Russia's annexation of Crimea in 2014.
In April 2025, Ukraine issued an arrest warrant in absentia against Butyagin, charging him with illegal excavations and illegal partial destruction of the archaeological complex. Myrmekion dates back to the 6th century BC and has yielded significant finds including coins from the era of Alexander the Great.
The legal and ethical controversy hinges on the status of Crimea as an occupied territory under the Hague Convention Protocol 2, which compels occupying authorities to prohibit excavations. Poland and Ukraine are parties to this protocol, while Russia is not. This has complicated the proceedings surrounding extradition, as European courts have been hesitant to extradite Russian nationals to Ukraine due to European Court of Human Rights considerations. Even if extradition is approved, further obstacles remain likely.
The Hermitage Museum maintains that its work complied with international norms, noting that archaeological permits must be issued by Russian authorities because Ukrainian permits are unavailable for Russian archaeologists conducting work in occupied Crimea. Ukrainian sources accuse the excavations of looting, while supporters argue that the work helps preserve Crimea's heritage.
The debate centers on the ethics of archaeology carried out in occupied territory, with disputes over the fate of the artifacts. Finds reportedly remain in Crimea and have been transferred to the Eastern Crimean Museum in Kerch, which is now incorporated in Russia's museum fund. Ukraine contends that all discoveries should be part of Ukraine's museum fund.
