Polish Court Approves Extradition of Russian Archaeologist to Ukraine

Warsaw, Poland – A Warsaw court has approved the extradition of Russian archaeologist Alexander Butyagin to Ukraine, his lawyer confirmed on Wednesday, March 18, 2026. The decision follows a request from Ukrainian authorities who suspect Butyagin of illegally excavating archaeological sites in occupied Crimea.

Background and Allegations

Alexander Butyagin, a staff member at the Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg, was detained by Polish special services in Warsaw in early December 2025 while traveling from the Netherlands to the Balkans. Ukrainian investigators allege that Butyagin led unauthorized archaeological expeditions in Crimea since 2014, specifically at the ancient city of Myrmecium on the Kerch Strait coast. These actions, Kyiv claims, resulted in the “illegal partial destruction” of a cultural heritage site, causing an estimated loss of UAH 200 million (approximately $4.6 million as of March 2026). Ukraine accuses Butyagin of removing nearly two meters of cultural layers without authorization.

Court Decision and Appeal

The District Court in Warsaw ruled that Butyagin’s extradition is legally permissible. Polish state media reported the ruling on Wednesday. However, the decision is not yet final. Butyagin’s lawyer, Adam Domanski, announced plans to appeal the court’s decision. The court has extended Butyagin’s detention until June 1, 2026, pending the outcome of the appeal. The Polish Minister of Justice will have the final say in the extradition case.

Russian Reaction

The Russian Foreign Ministry has demanded Butyagin’s immediate release and expressed a “strong protest” to the Polish Ambassador to Moscow, accusing Poland of “legal tyranny.”

Butyagin’s Defense

Butyagin maintains his innocence and, according to reports, stated he continued his work in Crimea to preserve cultural heritage, arguing that ceasing excavations would lead to the deterioration of the site due to natural causes and potential looting. He previously traveled through several European countries without incident before his arrest in Poland.

The Judge’s Record

The case was presided over by Judge Dariusz Lubowski, who is set to retire from his position as head of the international criminal justice department at the Warsaw District Court in February 2026. Judge Lubowski has a history of unusual rulings in extradition cases, including refusing to extradite individuals based on philosophical and political grounds.

Potential Penalties in Ukraine

If convicted in Ukraine, Butyagin could face up to five years in prison. Ukrainian law considers the deliberate destruction or damage of archaeological sites a criminal offense.