Montenegro arrests Russian military blogger Mikhail Zvinchuk on suspicion of attempting to destabilize the country
The founder of the Telegram channel "Ribar" with 1.5 million followers was detained in an operation officials described as successful.
Montenegrin authorities say they have detained influential Russian military blogger Mikhail Zvinchuk on suspicion of attempting to destabilize Montenegro.
Zvinchuk, who previously worked in the press service of Russia’s Ministry of Defence and is the founder of the Telegram channel "Ribar" with 1.5 million followers, was arrested in what officials described as an effective operation.
The detention and official response
"Zvinchuk was detained today in a successful operation. Our institutions are doing their job, Montenegro defends its interests and no one will jeopardize our European future. We warned that attempts to undermine and destabilize Montenegro through hybrid activities constantly follow our European path," said Milojko Spajic, the prime minister of Montenegro.
Government statements emphasized that Montenegro — once a close partner of Moscow but now a NATO member and seeking EU accession — is monitoring what it calls hybrid threats aimed at undermining its Euro-Atlantic course.
Officials did not release further operational details or specify the evidence against Zvinchuk. The move is likely to heighten tensions given Zvinchuk’s prominence online and his vocal support for Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Authorities said the arrest was part of ongoing efforts to protect national security and safeguard Montenegro’s international commitments; investigations are expected to continue.
Photo: Telegram)
