Archaeologist Butyagin spoke about how he felt after the exchange

Scientist Alexander Butyagin spoke about his good health after his release as a result of the exchange. This was announced on April 28 by the Federal Security Service (FSB) of Russia.

"It's still hard for me to get them (feelings. — Ed.) to tell you, I still can't believe it. <...> I feel great," the archaeologist told TASS.

It is known that the exchange took place on the Belarusian-Polish border. The scientist noted that he does not need medical help.

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Mikhail Piotrovsky, Director General of the Hermitage, said that Butyagin, an archaeologist, would continue his scientific and educational activities at the museum after his release. 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. On the same day, 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.