The Digital Forensics Center (DFC) recently released an analysis titled “Consolidation of the Russian-Serbian Agenda,” highlighting a coordinated effort to reshape the narrative and ideology within Montenegrin society in alignment with the Russian-Serbian agenda.

We present the complete analysis:

The European integration of Montenegro is encountering subtle yet systematic resistance from pro-Serbian political factions and the Serbian Orthodox Church (SPC). Serbian Patriarch Porfiry’s visit to Moscow on April 22, 2025, during which he associated Montenegro with the concept of the Russian world, has further intensified the hybrid operations at play. In this environment, pro-Serbian groups are also seizing upon global events—such as ceasefire negotiations in Ukraine—to revive pro-Russian narratives in the Western Balkans. The analysis uncovers two fundamental tactical pillars of the Russian-Serbian hybrid agenda in Montenegro: (1) historical revisionism and negationism and (2) a narrative of sovereignism that resists Euro-Atlantic values.

In Montenegro, historical revisionism is evident through the systematic rehabilitation of the Chetnik movement, portrayed as anti-fascist in various pro-Russian and pro-Serbian narratives, despite its documented past of collaboration with Axis powers and involvement in civilian atrocities. This reinterpretation aims to undermine Montenegro’s anti-fascist legacy and aligns it with the Russian narrative concerning the denazification of Ukraine.

One example of this narrative includes Metropolitan Joanikije of the Serbian Orthodox Church’s statement on May 4, 2025, praising Pavle Đurišić as a heroic figure just prior to Victory Day over Fascism. Such comments indicate an effort to synchronize local identity narratives with Kremlin ideologies.

The pro-Russian narrative asserts that Montenegro’s entry into the EU should be dignified and traditional, focusing on history and identity preservation. This stance serves as an ideological platform to challenge sanctions against Russia while undermining Montenegro’s Euro-Atlantic commitments. These narratives, frequently propagated through the Serbian Orthodox Church, various political frameworks, media, and extreme-right organizations, work in tandem with revisionist discourse, enabling Montenegro’s ideological alignment with Putin’s Russia and Vučić’s Serbia. These factions strive to position Montenegro as a crucial element in Russian-Serbian spiritual, historical, and security interests, promoting narratives that dismiss the secular and civic nature of the Montenegrin state.

The Serbian Orthodox Church is actively engaged in delegitimizing Montenegro’s anti-fascist heritage, glorifying Chetnik ideology, and reinforcing ethno-nationalist narratives through public appearances and various events. This reflects politically motivated actions that contradict the values of a civic, modern, and anti-fascist Montenegro.

An instance of this is the announced memorial liturgy and service for the fighters of the Durmitor Chetnik brigades and victims of communist terror, scheduled for June 7, 2025, to be officiated by Bishop Metodije of Budimlje-Niksic. This event aligns with a broader revisionist campaign that portrays Chetnik brigades positively and seeks to reinterpret World War II events, presenting the Chetnik movement as victims rather than collaborators or ultranationalists.

The poster for the event depicts a Chetnik soldier with a rifle, reinforcing the movement’s image. The involvement of church authorities lends credibility and spiritual weight to the event, suggesting an ongoing attempt to rehabilitate Chetniks not just as a military group but as part of national identity.

The Serbian Orthodox Church’s ongoing glorification of Russia in Montenegro, along with its political and social actors, is also highlighted by a recent procession on May 12, 2025, in Nikšić, celebrating Saint Basil of Ostrog. During this event, Orthodox brotherhoods close to the SPC displayed a banner reading “Pray to God and stick to Russia,” a slogan previously seen at pro-Russia demonstrations in Podgorica following the start of the Russian aggression against Ukraine.

Orthodox Brotherhoods and Far-Right Associations

The Digital Forensic Center has consistently highlighted the influence and activities of far-right pro-Serbian organizations within Montenegro’s socio-political landscape. Their actions have been particularly noteworthy during significant events such as marches, elections, protests, and discussions surrounding the Genocide in Srebrenica resolution. The ideological frameworks and political communications of these groups extend beyond local matters, tying into broader regional and geopolitical narratives. The celebration of Victory Day on May 9 in Moscow catalyzed the mobilization of these far-right factions.

Zdravko Nišavić, president of the St. Michael’s Corps—an organization closely affiliated with the Serbian Orthodox Church—attended the Victory Parade in Moscow. This organization has roots in members of the 63rd Parachute Brigade of the Yugoslav Army. While these groups present themselves as humanitarian organizations, a deeper inspection reveals a right-wing agenda intertwined with loyalty to Serbia and Russia. Following an armed incident in northern Kosovo in September 2023, Nišavić called for a mobilization of veterans, urging them to support Kosovo.

During the parade, Nišavić represented Montenegro alongside members of the Serbian and Don Cossacks Union “Sobrat.” The union’s president, Bratislav Todorović, announced plans to lead a delegation from Serbian territories to Moscow. The Orthodox brotherhood Stupovi was represented by Neđeljko Neno Grandov, a figure previously involved in mobilizing protests following political developments unfavorable to pro-Russian factions.

This trip was facilitated through the Rostov Oblast administration, with reports claiming that agreements for cooperation and twinning were established between various municipalities in Serbian territories and Russian cities. The St. Michael’s Choir reaffirmed their connection to the Russian anti-fascist struggle, emphasizing their commemoration of May 9 as Victory Day while undermining the significance of May 8 as Europe Day.

During their visit to Russia, there were claims that Todorović and Grandov were granted permission to go to Donbas. They reported interactions with a decorated Russian commander, further showcasing the interconnected narratives of loyalty and collaboration with Russian forces.

In a November 2024 conference organized by the Union of Serbian and Don Cossacks, nationalist messages against Ukraine surfaced, further glorifying the ongoing Russian invasion. Members participated in commemorations juxtaposing NATO’s actions during the Yugoslav conflict, promoting anti-Western sentiment and reimagining historical narratives.

Mijajlo Backović, a Serbian Orthodox Church priest, used the occasion to propagate anti-NATO rhetoric, leveraging emotional narratives against perceived Western hostility. His war references and interpretive frameworks aim to mobilize public sentiment against NATO interventions, although obscuring historical accuracy.

During the unveiling of a friendship monument between Russians, Serbians, and Montenegrins, Igor Damjanović, a correspondent known for disseminating Russian propaganda, referred to key historical moments, attempting to romanticize the Russian model of reconciliation while inculcating a revisionist narrative regarding UN and Chetnik relationships.

Media Influence

Pro-Russian portals play a crucial role in promoting anti-Western and anti-Ukrainian narratives in Montenegro. Media constructs are critical in shaping public perception and influencing behavior.

In response to announcements regarding Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s planned visit to Montenegro, the unregistered pro-Russian portal IN4S published five articles featuring manipulative narratives aimed at inciting public resistance against the Ukrainian state. Repeatedly, these articles depicted Zelensky in a derogatory light, portraying Montenegro as a victim of Western hegemony while framing Russia as a force for true values.

The narratives in these articles echo tactics typical of the Russian propaganda sphere, dehumanizing Ukrainians while inciting social discord in Montenegrin society, particularly in light of the diplomatic visit.

DFC emphasizes that the unregistered IN4S portal has historically operated outside ethical journalism standards, fostering animosity towards Montenegro’s Western partners and backing elements opposing the country’s strategic direction.

Aloonline.me also released a derogatory article regarding Zelensky’s visit, framing it as an act of capitulation for Montenegro while promoting narratives that emphasize a historical connection to Russia. This rhetoric aims to delegitimize the current Montenegrin political course and reinforce pro-Russian identity-based opposition.

The IN4S portal published an account of a pilgrimage to the Hilandar monastery, authored by a journalist known for seeking to revise historical narratives to favor Serbia. The involvement of the Montenegrin Ambassador and the journey’s overarching nationalistic themes could potentially raise public concern, suggesting support for revisionist ideologies.

The ongoing activities of the Serbian Orthodox Church, pro-Serbian political groups, media outlets, and far-right organizations demonstrate a synchronized effort to reshape Montenegrin society’s narrative and ideological direction in line with the Russian-Serbian agenda. The rehabilitation of the Chetnik movement, the negation of anti-fascist legacies, the promotion of pro-Russian narratives, and the undermining of European values constitute essential aspects of this hybrid strategy. Such a path threatens Montenegro’s civic identity, stalls its EU membership journey, and poses a risk to the stability of the broader Western Balkans region.

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