A spokesperson for the Ukrainian Ministry of abroad Affairs referred to the decision to release Andrzej Poczobut as part of an exchange of prisoners in which Poland released Russian archaeologist Alexander Butiagin. Kiev announced that despite this situation, he would proceed to take legal action to hold the Russian accountable for his alleged actions.
The exchange happened on Tuesday. Pochobut left the Belarusian prison, while Butiagin was released from Poland, where he stayed since December 2025 after being detained at the request of the Ukrainian side. He was captured during a transit journey from the Netherlands to the Balkans. Ukraine accuses him of carrying out illegal archaeological works in Crimea after his annexation by Russia in 2014 and of exporting cultural goods from this territory.
MFA spokesperson of Ukraine Heorhiy Tychyj stressed that the decision to release Butiagin was accepted with disappointment. He pointed out that the Polish court previously considered the material presented by Ukraine adequate for its release. Nevertheless, the Russian citizen was not transferred to the Ukrainian side.
A typical of Ukrainian diplomacy indicated that Kiev would proceed its legal action on this matter. According to him, the situation can be utilized by Russia to justify its presence in Crimea and to legitimize the activity of its citizens in the territory considered occupied by Ukraine.
Ukraine declares a consistent desire to hold those active in business and war accountable. In the case of Butiagin and akin cases, the available legal mechanisms, including cooperation with global partners, are planned to be used.
The case was besides referred to by the Office of the lawyer General of Ukraine. It announced the continuation of proceedings, including the conduct of non-observatory procedures aimed at charging and investigating the work for crimes against the Ukrainian State and its cultural heritage.
The Communication stressed that the Polish authorities had previously positively assessed the evidence provided by Ukraine and considered it adequate to consider the extradition request. However, the final decision to exempt Butiagin was taken in the context of global arrangements for the exchange of detainees.
