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● LIVE Updated 3h ago · 18 sources tracked

Founder of Rybar, Russian war propaganda channel, detained in Montenegro

Montenegrin authorities detained and expelled Mikhail Zvinchuk, founder of the pro-Kremlin military blog Rybar, along with several associates in a security operation on October 9, 2026. Zvinchuk and his group were arrested over an alleged destabilization plot and concerns regarding Russian influence activities in the Balkan nation. Following his detention and the seizure of his phones and documents, Zvinchuk returned to Russia after being deported by local officials.

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  • ✓ Montenegrin authorities detained Mikhail Zvinchuk, founder of the pro-Kremlin Telegram channel Rybar, along with his wife and three associates.
  • ✓ The arrests were made during a joint operation by the police department and the National Security Agency on October 9, 2026.
  • ✓ Montenegro expelled Zvinchuk and other Russian nationals following security concerns and allegations of a destabilization plot.
  • ✓ Zvinchuk returned to Russia following his expulsion from Montenegro.
🛡️ Source Corroboration: 18 independent reporting domains (100% confidence) ⏱ Read time: ~2 min

What changed

Montenegrin authorities expelled Mikhail Zvinchuk and four associates, sending the pro-Kremlin blogger back to Russia following his arrest.

Live updates

  1. Rybar Founder Mikhail Zvinchuk Expelled From Montenegro

    Montenegrin authorities detained and expelled Mikhail Zvinchuk, founder of the pro-Kremlin military blog Rybar, along with several associates in a security operation on October 9, 2026. Zvinchuk and his group were arrested over an alleged destabilization plot and concerns regarding Russian influence activities in the Balkan nation. Following his detention and the seizure of his phones and documents, Zvinchuk returned to Russia after being deported by local officials.

    Why it matters

    The detention targets the creator of a prominent Telegram channel boasting 1.5 million subscribers, signaling heightened security concerns in the Balkans over Russian influence operations. Zvinchuk is a former Russian Defense Ministry official and heads a network previously targeted by the United States. Montenegrin police carried out the targeted operation alongside the National Security Agency and international partners.

    What is confirmed

    • Montenegrin authorities detained Mikhail Zvinchuk, founder of the pro-Kremlin Telegram channel Rybar, along with his wife and three associates.
    • The arrests were made during a joint operation by the police department and the National Security Agency on October 9, 2026.
    • Montenegro expelled Zvinchuk and other Russian nationals following security concerns and allegations of a destabilization plot.
    • Zvinchuk returned to Russia following his expulsion from Montenegro.

    Still unconfirmed

    • Zvinchuk was reportedly filming a documentary on Montenegro's EU integration and had posted about evading a travel ban.
    • Local outlets Vijesti and Pobjeda reported the initial detentions in Risan.

    What to watch next

    • Official diplomatic statements from Moscow or Podgorica regarding the expulsion
    • Further disclosures from Montenegrin security services regarding the alleged destabilization plot
    Sources used for this update (18)
    1. The Kyiv Independent — Founder of Rybar, Russian war propaganda channel, detained in Montenegro
    2. CNN — Russian pro-Kremlin war blogger and founder of ‘Rybar’ Telegram channel detained in Montenegro
    3. AP News — Russian pro-war blogger among 5 arrested in Montenegro over alleged destabilization plot
    4. Українська правда — Russian propagandist and founder of Rybar channel detained in Montenegro
    5. The Moscow Times — Montenegro Arrests Founder of Influential Russian Pro-War Blog Rybar
    6. The Guardian — Pro-Kremlin Russian military blogger Mikhail Zvinchuk arrested in Montenegro
    7. kyivindependent.com — Montenegro to expel founder of Russian war blog Rybar, citing security reasons
    8. www.theguardian.com — Pro-Kremlin Russian military blogger Mikhail Zvinchuk arrested in Montenegro | Montenegro
    9. meduza.io — Montenegro detains Russian pro-war blogger behind Rybar, a Telegram channel with 1.5 million subscribers ....
    10. www.kyivpost.com — Montenegro Detains Russian Z-Blogger Targeted by US - Kyiv Post
    11. macaubusiness.com — Pro-Kremlin blogger back in Russia after expulsion from Montenegro | Macau Business
    12. cashwalklabs.io — Founder of Rybar, Russian war propaganda channel, detained in Montenegro | Global Cashwalk
    confidence 100%
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