IN BRIEF: What to know of Polish ruling on Russian archaeologist's extradition to Ukraine

March 19, 2026

TL;DR

A Warsaw court has approved Ukraine's request to extradite Russian archaeologist Alexander Butyagin.
Butyagin is accused by Ukraine of intentional unlawful destruction of a cultural heritage site in Crimea.
His defense team plans to appeal the decision, stating there is no evidence of destruction and the statute of limitations has expired.
Butyagin was detained in Poland in December 2025 while on a lecture tour.
Ukraine is seeking his extradition under Article 298 of the Ukrainian Criminal Code.

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