A Polish district court in Warsaw approved the extradition of Russian archaeologist Alexander Boutyagin to Ukraine over charges related to Crimea, with the final decision resting with Poland’s justice minister if the ruling stands.

Ukraine’s authorities accuse Boutyagin of deliberate, illegal destruction and damage to Crimean cultural heritage, specifically at the Myrmekion site, while Moscow argues excavations were legitimate and linked to Crimea’s archaeological research.

Boutyagin’s defense maintains that ongoing excavations were necessary to preserve the site and disputes the charges of intentional damage.

Spain’s Prime Minister met with Ukraine’s president and announced continued support and a new defense cooperation plan, though details were not disclosed.

Russia cites Boutyagin’s previous work and claims that his findings are housed at a Kerch museum in Crimea to defend his activities and permissions.

The case underscores ongoing tensions over Crimea’s archaeology since its 2014 annexation, influencing cross-border legal actions.

Ukraine and authorities allege excavations were conducted without Ukrainian government approval and contend that any Crimea antiquities are stolen.

Boutyagin, a leading figure at the Hermitage, was arrested in Kyiv’s request during a European lecture tour; Ukrainian authorities allege significant damages to Crimean heritage estimated at about 200 million hryvnias.

Boutyagin was arrested in Warsaw in December at Ukraine’s request; bail was denied and he remains in a Warsaw detention center.

The Ukrainian prosecutorate opened proceedings in late 2024 charging deliberate and illegal destruction of a Crimean cultural site.

Ukraine’s researchers argue that Russian archaeologists’ work in occupied Crimea harms cultural heritage, while Boutyagin claims his activities occurred within a complex legal-historical framework.

Kyiv first filed charges in 2024, reaffirming that Crimea remains Ukrainian sovereign territory in its legal narrative.