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Russian War Blogger Arrested in Montenegro Over Destabilization Plot
Confirmed
In Short: Montenegro arrested an influential Russian war blogger and four others on Friday, alleging they were part of a plot to destabilize the country, which is seeking European Union membership.
The arrested individual, identified as Mikhail Zvinchuk, is a former military officer who served in the Russian Defense Ministry’s press office and is known for his pro-war views and support for Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Zvinchuk, who runs the Telegram channel Rybar with over 1.5 million followers, was detained in a 'successful operation,' according to Montenegro's Prime Minister Milojko Spajic.
Montenegrin police confiscated 'sophisticated digital equipment and devices' including a drone, two cameras, and several phones from the group.
The group, which entered Montenegro two days ago, was reportedly filming a documentary criticizing Montenegro's push for EU membership.
Montenegro's Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that the arrests were made on grounds of 'national and internal security,' without providing further details.
The Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said the Russian Embassy in Montenegro is looking into the case.
In Moscow, Dmitry Medvedev, former Russian president and current deputy head of the Security Council, said 'a hunt has been announced for all Russians' traveling to Europe, adding that 'anyone can be arrested.'
Montenegro, which joined EU and other Western sanctions against Russia, will require visas for Russian citizens starting Nov. 1.
The arrests come amid Montenegro's efforts to join the EU, with Prime Minister Spajic warning that 'attempts at hybrid action and destabilization relentlessly follow our European path.'
Spajic emphasized that 'our institutions are doing their job, Montenegro is protecting its interests, and no one will jeopardize our European future.'
The group was planning to film at Cetinje Monastery, an important Serbian Orthodox site, according to a statement on Rybar's Telegram channel.
Montenegro's timely and coordinated reaction, according to police, prevented any damaging operations that could have been carried out in the country.
What this adds
Montenegro's arrest of the Russian war blogger and four others marks a significant step in its efforts to secure its European future amidst tensions with Russia.
The arrests highlight the ongoing geopolitical tensions between Russia and Montenegro, a former Moscow ally now aligned with NATO and seeking EU membership.
Background
Montenegro arrested a Russian war blogger and four others suspected of destabilizing the country, which is seeking EU membership.
What's confirmed
- POGORICA: An influential Russian war blogger and former military officer was arrested on Friday in Montenegro on suspicion of trying to destabilize the country, officials said.
- Russia’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said that the Russian Embassy in Montenegro is looking into the case.
- Montenegro has joined EU and other Western sanctions against Russia and will require visas for Russian citizens starting Nov. 1.
- Montenegrin Prime Minister Milojko Spajic said an influential Russian blogger and former military officer has been arrested in connection with an alleged plot to destabilize the Balkan country that is seeking to join the European Union.
- FILE - Montenegro's Prime Minister Milojko Spajic speaks during joint press conference with an Chancellor Olaf Scholz in the chancellory in Berlin, Monday, April 29, 2024.
- The pro-war channel, which has over 1.5 million followers, confirmed Zvinchuk's arrest in a post.
- The group entered Montenegro two days ago, police said in a statement.
- Montenegrin police say that an influential Russian blogger and former military officer and four others have been expelled from the country over security concerns.
- Authorities ordered their expulsion on grounds of “national and internal security.” No other details were given.
What's still developing
- Montenegro applied for membership in the bloc in December 2008, received candidate status in December 2010, and officially opened accession negotiations in June 2012.
- The statement said Rybar was in touch with Russia's Foreign Ministry to resolve the situation and "expected all detainees to be released." Zvinchuk's social media posts reveal that he traveled to Montenegro via Serbia and Bosnia-Herzegovina.
- "relations between Russia and the Balkan peoples, as well as the history of this region."
- Montenegrin media outlets reported that five arrests were made in Risan, a small town of some 2,000 inhabitants in the Bay of Kotor -- which has a sizeable Russian expatriate community -- on the country's Adriatic coastline.