Montenegro Arrests Rybar Founder Mikhail Zvinchuk Over Russian Influence

Montenegrin authorities arrested Mikhail Zvinchuk, the founder of the pro-Kremlin military blog Rybar, in the resort town of Risan on Friday. Zvinchuk, a former Russian defense ministry press officer, was detained at the Mövenpick hotel alongside his wife and three other Russian citizens on suspicion of spreading Russian influence.

Prime Minister Milojko Spajić stated the arrests followed warnings of hybrid warfare and attempts to destabilize Montenegro. Zvinchuk is already sanctioned by Britain and accused by the United States of interfering in the 2024 presidential election. Prior to his arrest, Zvinchuk had boasted on social media about his ability to bypass border controls to enter the country.

The Kremlin and former president Dmitry Medvedev responded to the detention. Medvedev suggested that Russia might detain European and American citizens to facilitate prisoner exchanges to secure Zvinchuk's release. The arrests occur as Montenegro, a NATO member seeking European Union membership, prepares to end visa-free travel for Russian citizens on November 1.