On 28 April, the Polish side released Russian archaeologist Alexander Butyagin, who was involved in illegal archaeological works in temporarily occupied Crimea. He was handed over as part of an exchange between Poland and Belarus under a “five for five” formula.

“Ukraine consistently insists on holding all Russian entities involved in the occupation and the war effort to actual legal account. Regarding the Butyagin case and other similar situations, Ukraine will continue to employ the appropriate legal mechanisms and will also work within the jurisdictions of our partners,” — Heorhii Tykhyi, Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine.

It is worth recalling that Alexander Butyagin directed excavations at the ancient settlement of Myrmekion near Kerch. Under his leadership, the group systematically destroyed the cultural heritage of Crimea, specifically removing the cultural layer of the “Ancient City of Myrmekion” historical site in Kerch to a depth of nearly two metres. The damage caused to Ukraine by these and his other actions is estimated at over 200 million hryvnias.

In late 2025, Poland detained Butyagin at Ukraine’s request. Ukraine demanded his extradition, which the Polish prosecutor’s office and a court subsequently agreed to.