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Home/Russia/Topic · Russia-Poland prisoner swap frees archaeologist Butyagin
Russia8h ago

Russia-Poland prisoner swap frees archaeologist Butyagin

FSB shows exchange of archaeologist Butyagin and wife for two Moldovan officers.

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Tuesday, 28 April 2026 at 18:48 UTC
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Synthesis · 3 sources
Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) has released footage of the prisoner exchange that freed Russian archaeologist Alexander Butyagin, who was arrested in Poland at Ukraine's request. Butyagin stated he feels good but cannot yet process his emotions. The exchange was part of a 5-for-5 swap involving Russia, Belarus, and Poland, where Butyagin and his wife were among those released. Kyiv had accused Butyagin of illegal excavations in Crimea.
Updates · 2
8h agoForeign Agent Intel

FSB released first footage of Butyagin speaking after his release, showing him being told he is free and responding that he feels good but is still processing the experience.

8h agoFrente Militar y Geopolítico

FSB released footage of the exchange; Butyagin says he feels good but cannot fully believe he is free.

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e/eineurope · topic · T-09966