Peskov says visiting Europe is dangerous for Russians after Rybar founder's detention
In short
Russian presidential press secretary Dmitry Peskov said on October 9 that visiting European countries is currently dangerous for Russian citizens. He was commenting on the detention in Montenegro of Mikhail Zvinchuk (Михаил Звинчук), founder of the Telegram channel Rybar (Рыбарь), and said those under sanctions should be aware that violating sanctions is a criminal offence in European countries and the EU.
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Dmitry Peskov, press secretary of the Russian president, said on October 9 that visiting European countries is currently dangerous for Russian citizens, Interfax reported. He made the remarks to Pavel Zarubin (Павел Зарубин) of Vesti (Вести) while commenting on the detention in Montenegro of Mikhail Zvinchuk (Михаил Звинчук), founder of the Telegram channel Rybar (Рыбарь). [ 2 , 5 ]
Asked what he would recommend to Russians, especially those engaged in public activity who travel to Europe, Peskov said: "Well, look, it is dangerous. It is dangerous." He said those under sanctions should be aware that, while Russia considers the sanctions illegal under international law, violating sanctions is a criminal offence in European countries themselves and in the EU, and that all actions should be weighed accordingly. [ 2 , 4 ]
"And, of course, visiting European countries is currently dangerous for Russian citizens. This can be said with full confidence and full responsibility," Peskov said, according to Interfax. [ 2 ]
Peskov said he did not know the circumstances of the incident, as differing information was coming in, including about the purpose of the stay and whether those involved were under sanctions. He said that under the Vienna consular convention a country is obliged to inform the Russian consular institution of the detention of Russian citizens, and that Russian diplomats would in any case ensure that the rights of Russian citizens are respected. [ 2 ]
Kommersant reported that Zvinchuk and his team were detained in Montenegro on the morning of October 9. According to the newspaper, Montenegro's Interior Ministry said the detainees posed a threat to the country and announced their expulsion. Russian Foreign Ministry representative Maria Zakharova said the Russians had already been released and were waiting at the airport for their flight, Kommersant reported. [ 5 ]
RBC summarised the warning as applying especially to Russians under EU sanctions, while Kommersant said it was addressed in particular to those under sanctions of Western countries. [ 3 , 5 ]
Why it matters
The warning came from the Russian president's press secretary and was carried by both official and business outlets. Peskov addressed it in particular to Russians under sanctions and those engaged in public activity who travel to Europe.
Key facts
- Dmitry Peskov, press secretary of the Russian president, said visiting European countries is currently dangerous for Russian citizens. [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 ]
- He made the remarks to Pavel Zarubin (Павел Зарубин) of Vesti (Вести). [ 2 , 4 , 5 ]
- Peskov was commenting on the detention in Montenegro of Mikhail Zvinchuk, founder of the Telegram channel Rybar. [ 2 , 3 , 5 ]
- Peskov said Russia considers the sanctions illegal under international law, but that violating sanctions is a criminal offence in European countries and in the EU. [ 2 , 4 , 5 ]
- Peskov said he did not know the circumstances of the incident, as differing information was coming in. [ 2 ]
- Kommersant reported that Zvinchuk and his team were detained in Montenegro on the morning of October 9 and that Maria Zakharova said they had been released. [ 5 ]
Confirmed by several sources
- Peskov said visiting Europe is currently dangerous for Russian citizens. [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 ]
- Peskov's remarks followed the detention in Montenegro of Rybar founder Mikhail Zvinchuk. [ 2 , 3 , 5 ]
- Peskov said that in European countries and the EU, violating sanctions is a criminal offence, although Russia considers the sanctions illegal under international law. [ 2 , 4 , 5 ]
Still unclear
- The circumstances of the detention, including the purpose of the stay in Montenegro and whether those involved are under sanctions. Peskov said he did not know the circumstances because differing information was coming in.
- Montenegro's Interior Ministry's statement that the detainees posed a threat and its announced expulsion of them. Reported only by Kommersant.
- Whether Zvinchuk and his team have been released and have left Montenegro. Only Kommersant reported Zakharova's statement that they had been released and were waiting at the airport for their flight.
What local media are saying
Timeline, local time
- TASS reports Peskov's statement that visiting Europe is now dangerous for Russian citizens. [ 1 ]
- Interfax publishes Peskov's remarks, made in comment on the detention of Rybar founder Mikhail Zvinchuk in Montenegro. [ 2 ]
- RIA Novosti publishes Peskov's remarks on sanctions. [ 4 ]
- Kommersant reports that Zvinchuk and his team were detained that morning and, citing Maria Zakharova, that they had been released. [ 5 ]