Montenegro detains Rybar Telegram channel founder Mikhail Zvinchuk in Risan
In short
Montenegrin police and the National Security Agency detained Mikhail Zvinchuk (Михаил Звинчук), creator of the Telegram channel Rybar (Рыбарь), on the morning of 9 October in Risan, together with his wife Valeria and staff, Montenegrin media reported. Vijesti said the operation targeted the "hybrid activity" of the Rybar network, which British and US authorities link to Kremlin propaganda. Russia's embassy demanded an explanation and consular access, and Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said diplomats would protect his rights.
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Montenegrin law enforcement detained Mikhail Zvinchuk (Михаил Звинчук), creator of the Telegram channel Rybar (Рыбарь), on the morning of 9 October in the town of Risan, Montenegrin outlets Vijesti and Pobjeda reported, according to Meduza. The operation was conducted by Montenegro's police and its National Security Agency (ANB). RIA Novosti, citing broadcaster RTCG, reported that Zvinchuk, his wife Valeria and three of their staff were detained. Meduza wrote that his wife and several staff members were detained, and Kommersant noted that the exact number of detainees was not given. [ 1 , 4 , 8 , 38 ]
According to Vijesti, the operation was aimed at stopping the "hybrid activity" of the Rybar network, which British and US authorities link to spreading Kremlin propaganda. Kommersant reported, citing Vijesti, that Zvinchuk was detained at the request of the United States. Vijesti also reported that Montenegrin security services had watched the team for several days after learning of their arrival, and that drones, "complex digital equipment" and electronic devices were found. RBC reported, citing Vijesti, that security officials suspected the group of filming material on Montenegro's European integration and its effect on tourism and the economy. [ 5 , 8 , 9 , 24 , 26 , 27 ]
Rybar confirmed the detention. Its staff said the team was in Montenegro legally, planned to film the Cetinje Monastery and had officially applied for permission to film. Montenegrin Prime Minister Milojko Spajić said Montenegro was "protecting its interests" and state institutions were doing their job; Kommersant reported his statement indicated Zvinchuk was suspected of trying to have a destructive influence on the situation in the country and its position in Europe. [ 10 , 14 , 16 , 18 , 20 , 31 ]
Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said the embassy in Montenegro was establishing the circumstances. The embassy later sent requests to Montenegrin authorities demanding an explanation and immediate consular access. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Russian diplomats would find out the reasons and protect Zvinchuk's rights as a Russian citizen. A source told RIA Novosti that neither Zvinchuk nor his wife could be reached. [ 4 , 13 , 28 , 37 ]
Zvinchuk is a former employee of the Russian Defence Ministry's press service and created Rybar, which has more than 1.5 million subscribers, with Denis Shchukin (Денис Щукин), Meduza reported. Britain has sanctioned him, describing him as co-owner and general director of Rybar, and the US State Department lists him among people involved in foreign influence operations targeting US elections. In October 2024 the State Department offered up to $10 million for information on Rybar staff. In late September, Czech authorities detained and questioned two Russians linked to Rybar, Vitaly Chashchukhin (Виталий Чащухин) and Igor Dolmatov (Игорь Долматов), and ordered them to leave the country, Meduza reported. [ 1 , 4 , 5 , 8 ]
Why it matters
Zvinchuk is under UK sanctions and the US State Department offered up to $10 million for information on Rybar staff, so the detention involves Montenegro, Russia and Western governments. Kommersant, citing Vijesti, reported the detention was at the request of the United States, and Russia's embassy has formally asked Montenegro to explain it.
Key facts
- Mikhail Zvinchuk, creator of the Telegram channel Rybar, was detained in Risan, Montenegro, on the morning of 9 October. [ 1 , 4 , 5 , 8 , 27 ]
- His wife Valeria and three other people were also detained, according to Montenegrin media reports. [ 4 , 5 , 8 , 27 , 30 ]
- The operation was carried out by Montenegro's police and National Security Agency (ANB). [ 1 , 8 ]
- Vijesti reported the operation aimed to stop the "hybrid activity" of the Rybar network, which British and US authorities link to spreading Kremlin propaganda. [ 1 , 5 , 8 , 27 ]
- Drones, digital equipment and electronic devices were found, according to Montenegrin reports. [ 11 , 27 ]
- Rybar confirmed the detention and said the team was in Montenegro legally to film the Cetinje Monastery. [ 10 , 14 , 16 , 31 ]
- The Russian embassy in Montenegro demanded an explanation of the detention and immediate consular access. [ 4 , 34 , 36 , 37 , 40 ]
- In 2024 the US offered a reward of up to $10 million for information on Rybar staff, including Zvinchuk. [ 1 , 4 , 5 , 8 ]
Confirmed by several sources
- Mikhail Zvinchuk was detained in Montenegro on 9 October. [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 8 , 14 , 19 ]
- Zvinchuk's wife Valeria and three other people were detained with him. [ 4 , 5 , 8 , 30 ]
- The detention took place in Risan. [ 1 , 4 , 5 , 8 ]
- Rybar confirmed the detention. [ 10 , 14 , 17 ]
- Rybar said the team planned to film the Cetinje Monastery and was in Montenegro legally. [ 12 , 15 , 16 , 31 ]
- Prime Minister Milojko Spajić commented on and confirmed the detention. [ 18 , 19 , 20 ]
- Maria Zakharova said the Russian embassy was establishing the circumstances of the detention. [ 5 , 6 , 7 , 13 , 21 , 22 ]
- The Russian embassy demanded that Montenegro explain the detention and provide consular access. [ 4 , 34 , 36 , 37 , 38 , 40 ]
- Dmitry Peskov said Russian diplomats would find out the reasons for the detention and protect Zvinchuk's rights. [ 4 , 28 , 30 , 32 , 35 ]
Still unclear
- How many people were detained. Several outlets report Zvinchuk, his wife and three others, Meduza says "several" staff, and Kommersant says the exact number was not given.
- Whether the detention was carried out at the request of the United States. Only Kommersant reports this, citing Vijesti.
- The exact grounds for the detention. Reports cite "hybrid activity", suspected filming about European integration, and destructive influence, while Rybar says the team came to film a monastery; no formal charge is described.
- Whether consular access has been granted. The documents report only the embassy's request.
What local media are saying
Timeline, local time
- Meduza reports Zvinchuk's detention in Montenegro, citing Vijesti and Pobjeda. [ 1 ]
- TASS reports Zakharova's statement that Russia is establishing the circumstances. [ 6 ]
- Rybar confirms the detention. [ 10 ]
- Montenegrin reports that drones and electronic devices were found are relayed. [ 11 ]
- Rybar says the team planned to film the Cetinje Monastery. [ 12 ]
- Prime Minister Spajić says Montenegro is protecting its interests. [ 20 ]
- Peskov says Russian diplomats will handle the case. [ 28 ]
- The Russian embassy demands an explanation from Montenegro. [ 34 ]