Russia protests detention of scientist in Poland, demands release
(MENAFN) Russia summons the Polish ambassador to formally protest the detention of archaeologist Alexander Butyagin in Warsaw, demanding his immediate release, according to reports.
The Russian Foreign Ministry says the diplomat was called in on Monday and told that Ukraine’s claims against Butyagin are “absurd.” The ministry criticizes the case as politically motivated, adding, “The explicitly politicized and speculative nature of the persecution of the Russian scientist by Ukraine is highlighted by the fact that the Ukrainian request through Interpol was not implemented, and Alexander Butyagin visited several European countries shortly before his arrest in Poland.”
Butyagin was arrested in Poland on December 11, 2025, after a request from Ukraine, which alleges that archaeological work he conducted in Crimea since 1999 was illegal.
Russian authorities stress that Butyagin, a researcher at the State Hermitage Museum, has conducted studies on the Kerch Peninsula for decades with all necessary permits. They note, “Throughout his work, Butyagin obtained all necessary permits from appropriate competent authorities, including those of Ukraine prior to 2014.”
Russia urges Poland to release the scientist immediately, calling the detention unjust, according to reports.
The Russian Foreign Ministry says the diplomat was called in on Monday and told that Ukraine’s claims against Butyagin are “absurd.” The ministry criticizes the case as politically motivated, adding, “The explicitly politicized and speculative nature of the persecution of the Russian scientist by Ukraine is highlighted by the fact that the Ukrainian request through Interpol was not implemented, and Alexander Butyagin visited several European countries shortly before his arrest in Poland.”
Butyagin was arrested in Poland on December 11, 2025, after a request from Ukraine, which alleges that archaeological work he conducted in Crimea since 1999 was illegal.
Russian authorities stress that Butyagin, a researcher at the State Hermitage Museum, has conducted studies on the Kerch Peninsula for decades with all necessary permits. They note, “Throughout his work, Butyagin obtained all necessary permits from appropriate competent authorities, including those of Ukraine prior to 2014.”
Russia urges Poland to release the scientist immediately, calling the detention unjust, according to reports.
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