Warsaw court will decide January 15 on extraditing Russian archaeologist Aleksandr. B., wanted by Ukraine for alleged cultural heritage destruction on Crimea.
Russia Demands Immediate Release
Russia urgently awaits Poland’s decision on the extradition of Russian citizen Aleksandr. B. to Ukraine. Kyiv accuses the St. Petersburg scholar of destroying cultural heritage on Russian-occupied Crimea. Moscow demands his immediate release and opposes his extradition, calling Ukrainian authorities’ accusations “absurd and politicized.” The Russian Foreign Ministry summoned Polish Ambassador Krzysztof Krajewski to present its demands.
Polish Confirms Legal Procedure
Spokesperson for Polish diplomacy Maciej Wewiór confirmed the summons. He emphasized the case against the Russian citizen is being handled according to existing law. Wewiór stated the Russian side presented its position regarding the December detention of the Russian national, wanted for actions on Ukrainian territory. He stressed, “On the Polish side, the case is being considered in accordance with applicable procedures.”
Archaeologist’s Case Background
Aleksandr. B. conducted archaeological research on Crimea without interruption after Russia’s annexation in 2014 or its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Kyiv imposed sanctions on him in 2019, yet the scientist continued to travel in Europe. He gave lectures in Prague and Amsterdam in autumn 2025. In December 2025, he arrived in Warsaw where he was detained by the Polish Internal Security Agency. A court decision remanded him in custody until March 4.