Montenegro detains founder of Rybar, one of Russia’s most popular pro-war Telegram channels
3 days ago by tardigrade to c/europe
cross-posted from: https://scribe.disroot.org/post/11788570
Montenegrin authorities detained the creator of the Telegram channel Rybar. Mikhail Zvinchuk, his wife, and three other Rybar staffers were detained in the town of Risan on the morning of October 9.
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[Authorities] found “sophisticated digital equipment,” drones, and “electronic devices” on them. Montenegrin security services had been monitoring Zvinchuk and his team for several days. Media reports said the operation was aimed at “suppressing the hybrid activity” of the Rybar network of channels.
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Montenegrin Prime Minister Milojko Spajić wrote on social media that ... "the message after today’s successful operation, in which the head of the Rybar information network was detained, is absolutely clear: state institutions are doing their jobs, Montenegro is protecting its interests, and no one will jeopardize our European future,” he said.
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Rybar is one of the most popular Russian pro-war Telegram channels, with more than 1.5 million subscribers. Zvinchuk, a former press officer for Russia’s Defense Ministry, created it with his colleague Denis Shchukin. The channel launched in 2018, and businessman Yevgeny Prigozhin helped fund it in its early years. Rybar describes itself as a “military-analytical center” and runs a network of affiliated channels devoted to specific regions, including “Evropar,” “Afrikar,” and “Balkanar.” In 2024, the U.S. State Department announced a $10 million reward for information on Rybar staffers. According to the American agency, the channel had tried to interfere in the U.S. presidential election.
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Montenegro is preparing to join the EU in the near future. The expected accession date is currently January 1, 2028, though that timeline could shift, as the country risks failing to make the necessary legislative changes in time. As part of its preparations, Montenegro is, in particular, aligning its visa policy with EU rules. As a result, starting November 1, it will introduce a visa regime for citizens of certain third countries, including Russia.
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