Montenegro has ordered the expulsion of Rybar founder Mikhail Zvinchuk and four others following a security operation targeting suspected hybrid influence activities.
Key facts
- •Montenegro revoked the residence rights of five Russian citizens on October 9.
- •The group included Rybar founder Mikhail Zvinchuk and four others.
- •Authorities seized drones, cameras, and mobile phones during the operation in Risan.
- •The group is suspected of planning a documentary to undermine support for Montenegro's EU integration.
- •Mikhail Zvinchuk is subject to international sanctions from the EU, UK, Switzerland, Australia, and Ukraine.
Montenegrin authorities have ordered the expulsion of Mikhail Zvinchuk, the founder of the pro-Kremlin military information network Rybar, and four other Russian citizens. The action follows a security operation conducted by police and the National Security Agency, which resulted in the revocation of the group's residence rights on national security grounds. Officials stated the operation targeted suspected hybrid influence activities intended to destabilize the country.
Security Operation and Seizures
The operation took place in Risan, located in the Bay of Kotor, after security services monitored the group's arrival in the country. Authorities seized drones, high-resolution recording equipment, cameras, and several mobile phones, which are currently undergoing expert analysis. The five individuals identified are Mikhail Zvinchuk, his wife Valeria Zvynchuk, Sergei Belous, Pavel Lekatorchuk, and Kira Doroshenko.
Official Response and Allegations
Montenegrin Prime Minister Milojko Spajic stated that the operation was successful and emphasized the country's commitment to protecting its European path from hybrid interference. According to reports citing security sources, authorities suspect the group planned to produce a documentary aimed at undermining public support for Montenegro's alignment with European Union visa policies. The Rybar channel claimed the group was in the country legally and intended to film the Cetinje Monastery.
International Reaction
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated that Russian diplomats are seeking clarification regarding the detention and will work to protect the rights of the Russian citizens involved. Meanwhile, Dmitry Medvedev, deputy chair of Russia’s Security Council, suggested that European countries are targeting Russians and indicated that Moscow might need to increase its pool of detainees available for potential prisoner exchanges. Zvinchuk is currently under sanctions by the European Union, the United Kingdom, Switzerland, Australia, and Ukraine.
Timeline
- October 7-8The five Russian citizens arrived in Montenegro.
- October 9Montenegrin police and the National Security Agency conducted an operation in Risan and ordered the group's expulsion.
- October 11Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov announced that Russian diplomats would seek clarification on the detentions.
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This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by Anadolu Agency, Euromaidan Press.
