For Mikhail Zvinchuk, a Russian military blogger and creator of the Telegram channel 'Rybark', October 9th began as a day for work. Zvinchuk, along with his wife Valeria and three employees, arrived in Montenegro to begin filming a documentary. The stated aim: to explore the country’s path towards European Union integration. Montenegro has been pursuing European Union integration.
But the trip didn’t unfold as planned. Later that day, Zvinchuk and his team were detained by Montenegrin authorities. Western media reported suspicions of influence operations.
The Russian embassy in Montenegro responded quickly, demanding clarification from Montenegrin authorities and insisting on consular access for the detained Russian citizens.
The accusation suggests Montenegrin authorities believe Zvinchuk and his team were engaged in activities beyond simply documenting the country’s EU aspirations.
Zvinchuk himself, speaking after his release, publicly acknowledged the embassy’s role in securing their safe passage. “We are all fine thanks to our embassy and thanks to the active public resonance,” he stated.
The allegations of ‘influence operations’ are at the heart of the matter. The accusation suggests Montenegrin authorities believe Zvinchuk and his team were engaged in activities beyond simply documenting the country’s EU aspirations.
As of now, Zvinchuk, his wife Valeria, and the three employees are on their way back to Russia. Zvinchuk credited the Russian embassy and public outcry for their safety.