Russia summons Polish envoy over arrest of archaeologist in Warsaw

Russia’s Foreign Ministry summoned Polish Ambassador Krzysztof Krajewski on Monday to formally protest the arrest of Russian archaeologist Alexander Butyagin in Warsaw, demanding his immediate release. The scientist was detained on December 11, 2025, at the request of Ukraine, which alleges his archaeological work in Crimea since 1999 is illegal.

Moscow Denounces Charges as Politically Motivated

In a statement, the ministry labeled Ukraine’s accusations “absurd” and “explicitly politicized.” It argued that Butyagin, an employee of the State Hermitage Museum, had obtained all necessary permissions for his research on the Kerch Peninsula, including from Ukrainian authorities before 2014. Moscow highlighted that Butyagin had traveled freely in Europe prior to his arrest, suggesting the Interpol request lacked merit.

Dispute Rooted in Contested Sovereignty Over Crimea

The case is deeply entangled in the territorial dispute over Crimea. Ukraine and most of the international community regard Russia’s 2014 takeover as an illegal annexation, while Moscow considers it a legitimate reunification. Kyiv asserts that any archaeological activity in Crimea conducted under Russian authorization since 2014 is unlawful. The European Court of Human Rights has ruled that Russia exercises “effective control” over the peninsula, meaning Ukraine could not have legally issued permits after that date.

Diplomatic Tensions and Legal Standoff

Poland now faces diplomatic pressure from Moscow to release the scientist, complicating its position as a EU and NATO member strongly supportive of Ukraine. The case underscores how judicial actions in third countries are becoming tools in the wider geopolitical confrontation over Crimea’s status, extending the conflict into academic and cultural spheres. Butyagin’s fate may set a precedent for how European nations handle similar Russian citizens sought by Kyiv.