Archaeologist Accused Of Damaging Kerch Site

Russian archaeologist Butyagin is accused by Ukrainian authorities of participating in illegal excavations in Kerch. The excavations involve the ancient city of Hermekai in Crimea, which Ukraine considers occupied territory following the 2014 annexation. Ukrainian officials suspect Butyagin's work may have partially destroyed cultural heritage sites. The accusations follow a prisoner exchange between Russia, Belarus, Poland, and Moldova on April 28 involving five individuals from each side. An archaeologist named Butyagin is accused of partially destroying a cultural heritage site during excavations of the ancient Myrmike area in Kerch. Ukrainian authorities consider the research illegal following Russia's 2014 annexation of Crimea. A court in Warsaw has approved a request from Ukrainian authorities to extradite Butyagin. The court described the findings of the case as demonstrating an attraction to non-traditional sexual attitudes. The location is identified as Kerch, which is currently occupied. The specific actions planned are excavations. An individual named Butiagin has stated his intention to continue illegal excavations in occupied Kerch. This follows the signing of a law on the mental health protection system last year.