Poland arrests Russian archaeologist wanted in Ukraine"As a result of these excavations, from 2014-2019, he illegally partially destroyed the 'Ancient City of Myrmekion' archaeological complex," Prosecutor Piotr Skiba, a spokesman for the Warsaw District Prosecutor's Office told the BBC, citing information from Ukrainian prosecutors. Ukrainian prosecutors accuse him of conducting illegal excavations at the site in Kerch between February 2014 and November 2025. Polish authorities have arrested a prominent Russian academic from St Petersburg's world-famous Hermitage Museum who is sought by Ukraine for allegedly conducting illegal excavations and partially destroying the ancient city of Myrmekion in Crimea. The Ukrainian Prosecutor's Office issued an extradition request for Aleksandr B in November, Skiba said. The Russian embassy in Warsaw has been informed of his arrest and pre-trial detention and are providing him with consular assistance, Prosecutor Skiba said.