The Russian Academy of Sciences called the release of archaeologist Butyagin a historic event

The release of archaeologist Alexander Butyagin was a historic event and the first precedent when the Polish authorities listened to Russia's position. Vadim Maiko, Director of the Institute of Archeology of the Crimea of the Russian Academy of Sciences, told Izvestia on April 28.

"To be honest, I don't remember such a similar fact since 2014. Therefore, today is a very important historical event," he said.

Maiko noted that the struggle for the scientist lasted for five months and ended in success. According to him, Russian President Vladimir Putin knew about the situation. He also expressed gratitude to the Russian leader.

The scientist stressed the importance of the fact that the Polish state did not follow the example of Western Europe and Ukraine in this matter, but listened to Moscow's opinion. He pointed out the unacceptability of a situation in which scientists become hostages of the political situation.

The head of the institute added that now Butyagin is most likely already in St. Petersburg and recuperating. Maiko expressed confidence that after the rest, the archaeologist would return to scientific activity, which he had missed.

Poland has released Russian archaeologist Dmitry Butyagin. What you need to know

Mikhail Piotrovsky, Director General of the Hermitage, said that after his release, Butyagin would continue his scientific and educational activities at the museum. The Hermitage also thanked the government, the diplomatic services and the scientific community for their assistance in his release.

During an exchange on April 28 involving Butyagin and the wife of a Russian serviceman on the Belarusian-Polish border, Russia extradited Moldovan intelligence officers. At the same time, the Federal Security Service (FSB) of the Russian Federation showed footage of Moldovan intelligence officers who arrived in Russia in 2025 to carry out intelligence operations. During the investigation of the criminal case, it was possible to collect information proving their affiliation to the Moldovan intelligence service.