Medvedev Tells Russians to Avoid Europe After Montenegro Detentions
Dmitry Medvedev, deputy chairman of Russia's Security Council, told Russians to avoid traveling to Europe, arguing that anti-Russian sentiment could put any of them at risk of arrest. His warning came after Montenegro detained Mikhail Zvinchuk, founder of the pro-war Rybar Telegram channel, along with his wife and three others. Medvedev also floated expanding Russia's pool of European and American detainees to trade for Russians held abroad.
Dmitry Medvedev, deputy head of Russia’s Security Council, used Telegram and the MAX platform to respond to Montenegro’s Friday detention of Rybar founder Mikhail Zvinchuk, his wife, and three other people. He claimed Europe had launched a broad campaign against Russian citizens and said travel there was unwise even for legitimate reasons.
Medvedev proposed holding more Europeans and Americans to trade for Russians detained abroad. The article notes a 2024 exchange freed Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, ex-Marine Paul Whelan, and Russian opposition activists, prompting debate about whether such swaps encourage more detentions.
Medvedev’s warning may discourage Russian citizens from travel or work in Europe, affecting families, students, and business ties. It could also heighten anxiety among Europeans and Americans in Russia if exchange detentions become more common. The Montenegro case may intensify mutual suspicion, making consular cases and prisoner swaps more politically charged. Ordinary people on both sides could bear the consequences of broader diplomatic hostility.