World · Europe · 2 days ago
Montenegro orders Rybar founder and Russian associates expelled
Montenegro has ordered Mikhail Zvinchuk, founder of the Russian Telegram channel Rybar, expelled after detaining him and Russian associates in the town of Risan.
The sources differ on the number of people ordered to leave: some say four Russians, while others say five.
Montenegro’s authorities said the group could not remain in the country for national and internal security reasons.
Rybar publishes military analysis of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and has more than 1.5 million Telegram subscribers.
The group said it had entered Montenegro legally and planned to film at a monastery.
Montenegro is pursuing membership in the European Union, and its prime minister said the country was protecting its interests and European future.
Authorities have not said where the group will be sent.
Montenegro ordered Mikhail Zvinchuk, founder of the Russian pro-war Telegram channel Rybar, to leave the country for national and internal security reasons.
Zvinchuk and members of his group were detained on October 9 in the town of Risan during an operation involving police and the National Security Agency.
Reports differ on the number of people facing expulsion: The Moscow Times reported Zvinchuk and three other Russians, while Meduza and the Kyiv Independent reported Zvinchuk and four others.
Montenegrin authorities said the operation prevented potentially dangerous or harmful activity, while Rybar said its team had entered legally and planned to film at a local monastery.
Prime Minister Milojko Spajić said Montenegro was protecting its interests and its European future; Russia's Embassy requested clarification about the detentions.
- Who
- Mikhail Zvinchuk, founder of Rybar, and members of his group
- What
- Montenegro detained the group and ordered them expelled for national and internal security reasons
- When
- October 9, 2026
- Where
- Risan, Montenegro
- Why
- Montenegrin authorities said the group’s activities could threaten national or internal security; the specific suspected activity was not officially detailed
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Following the results of the criminal, operational, and intelligence investigation, it was established that these individuals cannot continue to stay in Montenegro, and in accordance with the Law on Foreigners, a decision was made to expel them for reasons of national and internal security
Montenegro is protecting its interests and no one will endanger our European future
its team had entered Montenegro legally and planned to film at a local monastery
Now, it is quite likely that we will have to replenish the exchange fund with European and American idiots in order to get our own people out. There’s no other way: when in Rome, do as the Romans do…
Zvinchuk said he had arrived in Montenegro the day before his detention.
News emerged that Zvinchuk and members of his group had been detained in Risan.
Montenegrin authorities announced expulsion orders, citing national and internal security.
Prime Minister Milojko Spajić confirmed the arrests, and Russia's Embassy requested clarification.
- Rybar Telegram subscribers
- About 1.5 million
- Location of detention
- Risan, Montenegro
- Date of detention and expulsion announcement
- October 9, 2026
- U.S. reward announced in 2024
- Up to $10 million for information on individuals involved in managing Rybar-led social media channels
- Number of people reported to face expulsion
- Four total in The Moscow Times; five total in Meduza and the Kyiv Independent
Sources
Montenegro expels popular Russian war blogger wanted by US
Montenegro Expels Founder of Russian Pro-War Blog Rybar for 'Security Reasons'
Montenegro expels founder of Russian pro-war Telegram channel Rybar, citing ‘potentially dangerous’ activities
Russian pro-war blogger expelled from Montenegro after detention
Montenegro to expel founder of Russian war blog Rybar, citing security reasons
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