Polish authorities have arrested a prominent Russian archaeologist from St. Petersburg’s Hermitage Museum, who is wanted by Ukraine for allegedly conducting illegal excavations and causing significant damage to the ancient city of Myrmekion in Crimea.

The suspect, identified under Polish law as Aleksandr B, heads the Ancient Archaeology department of the Northern Black Sea region at the Hermitage Museum, according to Ukrainian prosecutors.

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Allegations of Illegal Excavations

Ukrainian prosecutors accuse Aleksandr B of conducting unauthorized excavations at the Myrmekion archaeological site in Kerch between February 2014 and November 2025. Prosecutor Piotr Skiba of the Warsaw District Prosecutor’s Office stated:

“As a result of these excavations, from 2014-2019, he illegally partially destroyed the ‘Ancient City of Myrmekion’ archaeological complex.”

Ukraine estimates the damage at UAH 201.6 million ($4.77 million). The site, an Ancient Greek colony founded by the Ionians in the 6th Century BCE, is considered a critical cultural heritage location.

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Arrest and Extradition Proceedings

Aleksandr B was detained in Poland on 4 December 2025 and subsequently questioned by prosecutors in Warsaw. According to reports, he refused to provide explanations during questioning.

The Ukrainian Prosecutor’s Office issued an extradition request in November, claiming that Aleksandr B conducted illegal excavations and searched for movable objects at the Myrmekion site without the proper permits.

The Warsaw District Court has remanded Aleksandr B in custody at the Warsaw-Białołęka detention centre for 40 days, until 13 January 2026, pending the extradition process. The Russian embassy in Warsaw has been notified and is providing consular assistance.

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Russian Response

Russia’s foreign ministry identified the suspect as Alexander Butyagin, an employee of the State Hermitage Museum, and condemned his detention as “absolute legal tyranny.” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated:

“We will of course demand through diplomatic channels the right to protect the interests of our citizen.”

The ministry also noted that Butyagin had been invited to deliver lectures on Pompeii in Warsaw and other European cities.

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Historical Significance of Myrmekion

Myrmekion is an Ancient Greek colony located in modern-day Crimea, founded by the Ionians in the first half of the 6th century BCE. It has long been recognized as a vital archaeological and cultural heritage site.

Prosecutors say the suspect’s actions during the period following Russia’s annexation of Crimea in February 2014 have caused irreparable damage to the site, highlighting ongoing disputes over the protection of cultural heritage in occupied territories.