Russian war blogger Mikhail Zvinchuk detained in Montenegro amid security fears

A prominent pro-Kremlin Russian military blogger has been arrested in Montenegro amid concerns about alleged Russian attempts to destabilise the Balkan country.

Mikhail Zvinchuk, founder of the influential Rybar Telegram channel, was detained on Friday alongside his wife and three other Russian nationals.

Police and security officials arrested the group in the coastal town of Risan on suspicion of spreading Russian influence.

Montenegro’s Prime Minister Milojko Spajić confirmed the detention, saying authorities had previously warned of possible destabilisation and hybrid warfare.

Local news outlet Vijesti reported that all five detainees were expected to be expelled on national security grounds.

Russian Telegram channel Baza reported that officers detained Zvinchuk at a luxury hotel before transferring the group to the capital, Podgorica, for questioning.

The channel denied any wrongdoing and said it was working with Russia’s foreign ministry to secure the detainees’ release.

Britain sanctioned Zvinchuk and Rybar in December 2025 over alleged Kremlin propaganda activities and reported links to Russian intelligence services.

The United States has also accused Zvinchuk of attempting to interfere in its 2024 presidential election.

Days before his arrest, Zvinchuk reportedly mocked Montenegro’s border security after entering the country despite Western sanctions and an entry ban.