Polish court approves extradition of Russian archaeologist Butyagin to Ukraine
A Polish court has approved the extradition of Russian archaeologist Oleksandr Butyagin to Ukraine, while his lawyer is preparing an appeal, the BBC said.
"A court in Warsaw approved Ukraine’s request for the extradition of prominent Russian archaeologist Oleksandr Butyagin. He was arrested in Warsaw in early December 2025. The criminal case is based on excavations in Crimea after its annexation by Russia, in which the archaeologist took part," the report reads.
The court's decision is not final. An appellate court may overturn it, amend it, or return the case for reconsideration by the court of first instance. The maximum detention period in extradition cases is two years.
If the appellate court upholds the extradition, the case will be forwarded to Poland's justice minister, who has the final say in extradition matters.
Prosecutor General Ruslan Kravchenko said this was "the first successful case of extraditing a Russian citizen at Ukraine's request."
"This is the first time a Ukrainian extradition request for a Russian citizen has received such a court assessment. It is a precedent," he said on Telegram on Tuesday.
He said after the occupation of Crimea, Butyagin for years organized and conducted illegal archaeological excavations at the nationally significant site "Ancient City of Myrmekion."
"In fact, the cultural heritage site was excavated, damaged and partially destroyed. The losses exceed UAH 200 million. Butyagin's activities are an attempt to rewrite history, appropriate Ukrainian heritage and legitimize the occupation through 'science," the prosecutor general said, thanking Polish counterparts for their principled stance and professional cooperation.
At the same time, Kravchenko said "this is only one stage of the procedure" and said the defense would likely use all available legal instruments, including appeal.
"The Ukrainian side is ready for further legal work and is confident in its position. It is crucial for us that all those involved in crimes against Ukraine are held accountable," he said.
As reported, Poland arrested Butyagin in December 2025 at Ukraine's request, which accuses him of conducting unauthorized excavations and looting historical artifacts in Crimea.
Butyagin is head of the Northern Black Sea archaeology sector at the Hermitage Museum's Department of the Ancient World. Since 1999, he has led an expedition researching the ancient Greek city of Myrmekion in Crimea. Following Russia's annexation of the peninsula in 2014, the expedition continued its work without Ukraine's permission, including after the full-scale invasion in 2022.
