Detention of Russian Military Blogger Mikhail Zvinchuk in Montenegro

On the morning of October 9, 2026, Montenegrin police and the National Security Agency detained Mikhail Zvinchuk—founder of the pro-Kremlin Telegram channel Rybar—along with his wife Valeria Zvinchuk and three other Russian citizens. The operation took place in the Adriatic resort town of Risan, after authorities seized the group’s electronic equipment, including drones, and escorted them to the capital, Podgorica, for questioning.

CNNThe GuardianKyiv IndependentRT Russia TodayThe head of the "Rybar" channel was detained Agenzia Nazionale Stampa Associata (ANSA)Montenegro Detains Head of Russian “Rybar” Project Mikhail Zvinchuk – Media – REFORM.news Rybar’s director, Zvinchuk, has been detained in Montenegro Associated Press

Rybar, launched in 2018 by Zvinchuk, a former press officer for Russia’s defence ministry, has become one of the most followed Russian military blogs, offering battlefield analysis of the war in Ukraine and promoting Kremlin narratives across Africa, the Middle East and Europe. The channel is subject to U.K. and U.S. sanctions for alleged involvement in foreign influence operations, and Britain added Zvinchuk to its sanctions list in December 2025. Montenegro, a NATO member since 2017 and a candidate for EU accession, has recently moved to end visa-free travel for Russian citizens on November 1, aligning its policy with EU standards.

The GuardianAssociated PressKyiv IndependentMontenegro Detains Head of Russian “Rybar” Project Mikhail Zvinchuk – Media – REFORM.news CNNThe head of the "Rybar" channel was detained In Montenegro, the founder of the Russian propaganda network "Rybar" was detained Rybar’s director, Zvinchuk, has been detained in Montenegro RT Russia Today

• Rybar’s subscriber base is reported as more than 1.5 million (several sources) and around 1.3 million.

Rybar’s director, Zvinchuk, has been detained in Montenegro

• Montenegro’s population is about 630,000 people.

Associated Press

• The United States offers a $10 million reward for information on Rybar-linked interference in U.S. elections.

Rybar’s director, Zvinchuk, has been detained in Montenegro

Montenegrin Prime Minister Milojko Spajic described the operation as “successful” and emphasized that the country is protecting its interests and European future. The Russian Foreign Ministry, via spokeswoman Maria Zakharova, said the embassy is seeking clarification of the circumstances. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov noted that Moscow is aware of the detention and will work to secure Zvinchuk’s release. Rybar’s own statement on Telegram claimed the team was in Montenegro legally, had submitted an official request to film at Cetinje Monastery, and expected release because no local laws were broken.

Kyiv IndependentAssociated PressRT Russia TodayCNNThe GuardianMontenegro Detains Head of Russian “Rybar” Project Mikhail Zvinchuk – Media – REFORM.news The head of the "Rybar" channel was detained Agenzia Nazionale Stampa Associata (ANSA)

• Subscriber numbers differ: some outlets cite “more than 1.5 million” followers, while RT reports “around 1.3 million.”

The head of the "Rybar" channel was detained

• Details of the charges remain undisclosed; Montenegrin authorities have not publicly specified the legal basis for the detention.

RT Russia Today

• Evidence of “hybrid activity” has not been presented in public statements, leaving the precise nature of the alleged threat to national security unclear.

Rybar’s director, Zvinchuk, has been detained in Montenegro

• “Mikhail Zvinchuk was indeed detained in Montenegro along with other Russian citizens,” — Ukraine. But Rybar, founder

CNN

• “Montenegro is protecting its interests, and no one will jeopardize our European future,” — Milojko Spajic, montenegrin prime minister

Kyiv Independent

• “Now we will quite likely have to replenish our exchange pool with European and American morons to get our own people out,” — Dmitry Medvedev, russia’s former president

Kyiv Independent

• “Now is not the time for hasty statements, but also for naive conclusions ,” — Milojko Spajic, montenegrin prime minister

The head of the "Rybar" channel was detained

Montenegro’s scheduled policy change on November 1 will end visa-free travel for Russian citizens, potentially reducing the flow of Russian visitors and limiting opportunities for similar operations. Russian diplomatic channels have indicated they will continue to engage with Montenegrin authorities regarding Zvinchuk’s case, suggesting further diplomatic negotiations may follow.

Associated Press