Russian war blog founder arrested in Montenegro

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 9 Oct, 15:37 · Archive

Mikhail Zvinchuk, founder of the influential Rybar war blog, has been arrested in Montenegro on charges of spreading Russian influence.

Mikhail Zvinchuk, founder of the influential Russian war blog Rybar, has been arrested in Montenegro along with his wife and three other Russians in the Adriatic resort of Risan. Montenegrin authorities charged them with spreading 'Russian influence'. The arrest follows warnings that the country would face destabilisation attempts and hybrid warfare.

Rybar, which has more than 1.5 million subscribers and is one of the most widely read blogs covering Russia's war in Ukraine, said Zvinchuk and the others had been in Montenegro legally and were planning to film at a monastery. The blog called for their release, stating 'Since there were no violations of local legislation, we expect all detainees to be released.'

Montenegro Prime Minister Milojko Spajic confirmed the detention, saying it followed intelligence warnings. He described the operation as 'successful' and stated that Montenegro was 'protecting its interests' and that 'no one will jeopardise our European future'. The Russian embassy in Podgorica demanded clarification on the arrests and consular access to its citizens.

Montenegro has long had strained relations with Russia. In 2016, the country accused Russia of plotting a coup with Serbian ultranationalists, a charge the Kremlin denied. Relations deteriorated further when Montenegro joined NATO in 2017.

How it is being reported

• Russian war blog Rybar founder arrested in MontenegroMikhail Zvinchuk, the founder of the widely read Russian military blog Rybar, has been arrested in Montenegro, the country's leadership says.The West Australian · 9 Oct, 15:03
• Russian war blog Rybar founder arrested in MontenegroMikhail Zvinchuk, the founder of the widely read Russian military blog Rybar, has been arrested in Montenegro, the country's leadership says.Perth Now · 9 Oct, 15:02

In this story: Mikhail Zvinchuk · Rybar · Montenegro · Russia · Milojko Spajic

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