Ukraine's Foreign Ministry on failed extradition of looting archaeologist: Russia will use it to justify Crimea's occupation

Ukraine's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has stated it will continue to use all available legal mechanisms to bring Russian archaeologist Alexander Butyagin, suspected of looting historical artefacts in occupied Crimea, to justice.

Source: MFA spokesperson Heorhii Tykhyi in a comment to journalists

Details: According to Tykhyi, Ukraine considers it disappointing that, despite an earlier fair ruling by a Polish court, the Russian citizen was ultimately not extradited to Ukraine. He is under suspicion of crimes committed on the territory of Ukraine, including the removal of cultural valuables from Crimea.

Meanwhile, the MFA stressed that it will continue to seek justice through legal means.

Quote: "It is clear that the Russian side will cynically use this political and legal lapse to justify the occupation of Crimea and the exploitation of Ukraine's temporarily occupied territory by Russian citizens.

Ukraine consistently insists on bringing to real legal accountability all Russian actors involved in the occupation and the war. In the case of Butyagin and other similar situations, Ukraine will continue to make use of the appropriate legal mechanisms and will also work within the jurisdictions of partner countries."

Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon!