"Alexander Butyagin, the head of the sector of ancient archaeology of the northern Black Sea region of the State Hermitage Museum in St Petersburg, was arrested in Poland in December 2025 at the request of Ukraine, which is seeking his extradition to stand trial in Ukraine. He is being charged with conducting illegal excavations in Crimea, the Black Sea peninsula illegally annexed by Russia in 2014."
"Antiquities and archaeological heritage are central to Russia's campaign to claim Ukrainian territory and identity, not just in Crimea but in other occupied Ukrainian territories such as Zaporizhzhia. Russian President Vladimir Putin marked his interest in archaeology in a staged dive for Greek amphorae in the Black Sea in 2011."
"Butyagin, who led the Hermitage's archaeological expedition to Myrmekion, an ancient Greek colony in Crimea, was listed on War and Sanctions in February 2025 for violation of Ukrainian law and seizing in favour of the Russian Federation 30 gold coins, including 26 inscribed with the name of Alexander the Great."
Alexander Butyagin, head of the ancient archaeology sector at Russia's State Hermitage Museum, was arrested in Poland in December 2025 at Ukraine's request for illegal excavations in Crimea. An appeals court in Warsaw upheld his arrest in February, with detention extended to June 1. Ukraine charges him with conducting unauthorized excavations and seizing artifacts, including 30 gold coins from Myrmekion, an ancient Greek colony. Antiquities and archaeological heritage are central to Russia's territorial claims in Ukraine, including Crimea and other occupied territories. Ukraine has placed dozens of Russian archaeologists and collaborators on a War and Sanctions registry. The case reflects broader tensions over cultural heritage in occupied territories.
#archaeological-heritage #crimea-occupation #international-law #cultural-artifacts #ukraine-russia-conflict
Read at www.theartnewspaper.com
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