Montenegro Detains and Expels Rybar Founder Mikhail Zvinchuk on National Security Grounds

On October 9, 2026, Montenegrin authorities detained Russian military blogger Mikhail Zvinchuk, founder of the popular Rybar Telegram channel, along with his wife Valeriya and three associates in the coastal town of Risan. The group was subsequently expelled from the country on grounds of national and internal security after a joint operation by the Police Directorate and National Security Agency (ANB), supported by international partners.[1][2]

Police seized sophisticated digital equipment including drones, high-resolution cameras, GoPros, and multiple mobile phones for forensic examination. Authorities cited fears of hybrid warfare and disinformation campaigns that could destabilize Montenegro, a NATO member since 2017 pursuing EU integration. Prime Minister Milojko Spajić stated on X: “Montenegro is protecting its interests, and no one will jeopardize our European future.”[3][4]

Rybar, which has over 1.5 million subscribers and provides detailed coverage of the Ukraine conflict, maintained that the team was in Montenegro legally to film at Cetinje Monastery and had submitted an official request. The channel and Russian diplomats demanded clarifications, with no violations of local law alleged by the group. Zvinchuk and associates had entered the country less than two days prior from Bosnia and Herzegovina.[5]

The action aligns with prior Western sanctions on Zvinchuk and Rybar figures, including UK measures in July 2026 for spreading narratives about Ukraine and alleged election interference, as well as EU blacklisting and a reported US $10 million reward offer related to influence operations.[6]

This incident highlights Montenegro's efforts to counter perceived Russian influence amid its Western alignment, while underscoring tensions for Russian citizens traveling in Europe as noted by Kremlin spokespeople.