Polish court clears extradition of Russian archaeologist to Ukraine

"A well-known academic with Russia's Hermitage Museum, Butyagin had worked on archaeological digs in the Myrmekion site, located in Crimea, both before and after Russia annexed the peninsula in 2014. The work helped discover ancient artefacts, including Alexander the Great-era coins."

"Poland arrested Butyagin in December on the request of Ukraine, which alleges he is responsible for the illegal partial destruction of an archaeological site, with damage exceeding 200 million hryvnias ($4.5m). Kyiv also claims Butyagin seized 30 gold coins, of which 26 were inscribed with the name of Alexander the Great and four were minted during the reign of his brother Philip III Arrhidaeus."

"Moscow argues the charges against Butyagin are absurd as it views Crimea as Russian territory. It has called Warsaw's decision to detain the archaeologist politically motivated. If convicted in Ukraine of the partial destruction of the Myrmekion site, he would face up to five years in prison."

Alexander Butyagin, a Hermitage Museum academic, faces extradition from Poland to Ukraine for allegedly conducting illegal excavations at Crimea's Myrmekion archaeological site. Ukraine accuses him of partially destroying the site with damages exceeding $4.5 million and seizing 30 gold coins, including 26 inscribed with Alexander the Great's name. Butyagin worked at the site both before and after Russia's 2014 annexation of Crimea. Poland arrested him in December following Ukraine's request. If convicted, he faces up to five years imprisonment. Russia has protested vigorously, claiming the charges are politically motivated and arguing Crimea is Russian territory, summoning Poland's ambassador in January to demand his release.

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