A Polish priest, journalist Andrzej Poczobut, and other individuals were released in a five-for-five prisoner exchange involving Poland, Russia, and Moldova.
Archeologist’s Arrest and Extradition
Aleksandr Butiagin, an archeologist affiliated with the State Hermitage, was detained in Poland in December 2025 at Ukraine’s request. Ukraine accused him of conducting archaeological work in annexed Crimea without authorization and partially damaging a cultural heritage site.
A Warsaw court initially agreed to his extradition to Ukraine, but Butiagin was ultimately transferred to Russia as part of the exchange. His research focused on the ancient city of Myrmekion in Crimea.
Andrzej Poczobut’s Case
Andrzej Poczobut, a journalist collaborating with “Gazeta Wyborcza” and an activist of the Association of Poles in Belarus, was sentenced to eight years in a penal colony in Belarus in 2023. He was accused of actions against state security and inciting hatred.
His case became a prominent symbol of repression against the Polish minority and independent journalists in Belarus.
Details of the Prisoner Exchange
The exchange operated on a “five-for-five” basis. In addition to Butiagin, Poland handed over the wife of a Russian military officer. Russia, in return, released two Moldovan intelligence officers.
The full list of individuals involved has not yet been disclosed, but reports indicate a Polish priest, Grzegorz Gaweł, and a businessman were also freed alongside Poczobut.
Moldova’s Participation
Moldova’s President Maia Sandu confirmed the return of two officers from the Moldovan Intelligence and Security Service who had been held in Russia. In exchange, Moldova handed over Nina Popa, a Russian citizen, and Alexandru Balan, a former Moldovan security official convicted of treason for collaborating with the Belarusian KGB.
US Involvement and Political Significance
US Ambassador to Poland Tom Rose stated that the release of Poczobut was the result of cooperation between the United States and Poland, thanking Polish special services and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He also highlighted the role of US Special Envoy for Belarus John Coale, Donald Trump, Karol Nawrocki, and Radosław Sikorski.
The release of Andrzej Poczobut concludes a long-standing case of significant political and symbolic importance in Poland-Belarus relations, as he was considered a key political prisoner held by the Lukashenko regime.
Future of Poland-Belarus Relations
Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski emphasized that the exchange does not necessarily signal a new opening in Polish-Belarusian relations, stating that Belarus must first demonstrate a desire to join the European family of nations. Belarus maintains that it does not hold any political prisoners.
