Medvedev suggests using Western citizens for prisoner exchanges

Dmitry Medvedev, Deputy Chairman of the Russian Security Council, suggested that Russia may need to replenish its ‘exchange fund’ with Europeans and Americans to secure the release of detained Russian citizens. This statement follows the arrest of Mikhail Zvinchuk, a prominent Russian military blogger and head of the Telegram channel ‘Ribar’, in Risan, Montenegro.

Zvinchuk, a former employee of the Russian Ministry of Defense, was detained during an operation by Montenegrin security services targeting attempts at hybrid influence and national destabilization. Medvedev warned Russian citizens to avoid traveling to European countries, claiming that visas and official invitations provide no protection against potential arrests.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated that Russian diplomats will investigate the reasons for Zvinchuk’s detention and work to protect his rights.