Montenegro expels Rybar founder and four Russians

Montenegrin police and the national security agency detained Rybar founder Mikhail Zvinchuk, his wife and three other Russians in Risan on 9 October. Authorities later expelled the group on national-security grounds. Rybar said they were in Montenegro legally and planned to film Cetinje Monastery.

• 5 RussiansDetained and expelled from Montenegro — Including Zvinchuk and his wife
• Over 1.5 millionRybar Telegram channel subscribers — Its stated audience size
• Less than two daysTime spent in Montenegro — Before the expulsions

Q1

What is Rybar's reach?

Its Telegram channel has more than 1.5 million subscribers and is among the most prominent Russian war blogs covering Ukraine.

Q2

Why did Montenegro act?

Authorities described the operation as preventing illegal and potentially harmful activity; the prime minister cited destabilisation attempts and hybrid actions.

Q3

What followed the expulsions?

Zvinchuk wrote that he and his team were travelling to Russia, while the Russian embassy sought an explanation for the detentions.

Q4

Why is Rybar tied to security concerns?

British and US authorities have linked the network to Russian propaganda and foreign influence operations; Zvinchuk previously worked for Russia's defence ministry.