Poland extends custody of Russian scholar facing extradition to Ukraine

Warsaw District Court has extended the detention of Russian archaeologist Alexander Butyagin, a Hermitage Museum employee, until June 1, as he faces possible extradition to Ukraine, the scholar’s relatives said on Telegram.

A continuation of the extradition hearing, which was suspended on January 12, is scheduled for March 18, Caliber.Az reports per Russian media.

Judge Dariusz Łubowski, who is presiding over the case and whose recusal was requested by the defence, was removed from his leadership post in the international criminal section of the Warsaw District Court and subsequently resigned.

“The dismissal occurred due to doubts raised by higher judicial authorities about Łubowski’s impartiality in political cases and a loss of confidence from court leadership. Nevertheless, he will continue to serve as a judge in ongoing cases, including that of Alexander Butyagin,” the statement said.

Butyagin, head of the North Pontic Archaeology Section within the State Hermitage Museum’s Department of the Ancient World, was detained in Warsaw in December while travelling to deliver a lecture. He was arrested on the basis of an international warrant issued by Ukraine. He is accused of “destruction of cultural heritage” in connection with archaeological excavations in Crimea.

In early January 2026, the Warsaw District Court extended his detention until March 4, despite guarantees from European colleagues and the availability of a place of residence for the duration of proceedings.

Butyagin is a specialist in classical archaeology and head of the Hermitage’s Myrmekion expedition in Kerch.

By Jeyhun Aghazada