Montenegro summons Russian ambassador over “unacceptable interference”

Montenegro’s foreign ministry has sharply condemned the conduct of Russian Ambassador Alexander Lukashik, summoning him over what it described as “absolutely unacceptable” interference in the country’s internal affairs. The move follows a series of public statements in which the ambassador criticised Montenegrin institutions and officials, drawing an unusually firm response from Podgorica.

The episode marks one of the most explicit diplomatic confrontations between Montenegro and Russia in recent years.

According to the ministry, Lukashik was called in after he publicly attacked Montenegro’s decision to join NATO’s Security Assistance and Training for Ukraine (NSATU) mechanism and issued pointed critiques of President Jakov Milatović. The online outlet Gazeta Express first reported the summons.

Montenegro officially became a full member of NATO on 5 June 2017, becoming the 29th member state to join the alliance. The country is a frontrunner on its way to EU membership.

Think tank: The Council should set the objective of Montenegro’s accession by 2029

In a formal statement, the ministry said the ambassador was “clearly warned” that “such messages will henceforth be treated as deliberate hostile activity, to which the Ministry will respond appropriately, in accordance with international norms.” It stressed that Montenegro “will not allow the dignity of its institutions to be undermined,” and conveyed the expectation that the Russian Embassy respect state institutions and officeholders in full.

The trigger for the confrontation was Lukashik’s reaction to parliament’s decision on 12 November to endorse Montenegro’s participation in NSATU. Under the arrangement, up to two Montenegrin servicemembers will be deployed to Wiesbaden, Germany, where Ukrainian forces receive training. The proposal was submitted by the members of the Security and Defence Council – President Milatović, Parliament Speaker Andrija Mandić and Prime Minister Milojko Spajić.

Lukashik accused Montenegro’s leadership of “demonising Russia” and escalating tensions, claiming that Podgorica was strengthening its status as a hostile state by “following the West.” Responding to an interview in La Croix in which Milatović argued that EU membership is the best strategy for countering the influence of third countries, including Russia, the ambassador alleged that Montenegro was participating in a NATO “hybrid war” against Moscow.

In its response, the foreign ministry reiterated that “Montenegro conducts its foreign policy independently” and “pursues its own national and strategic interests,” defined by NATO membership and the EU integration process.

The parliamentary vote exposed shifting alignments within Montenegro’s political landscape. Of the 81 MPs, 44 supported the decision, five voted against and two abstained. Backers included representatives of the Europe Now movement, the Democrats, minority parties, parts of the opposition and several MPs from the ruling New Serb Democracy (NSD). Historically part of the pro-Russian Democratic Front coalition, NSD holds nine seats; four of its MPs voted in favour, while the remainder did not attend the session. Milan Knežević of the allied People’s Democracy voted against.

Parties from the former Democratic Front had long opposed Montenegro’s NATO accession, pressed for lifting sanctions on Russia and demanded the withdrawal of recognition of Kosovo’s independence.

Lukashik presented his credentials to President Milatović on 9 June this year.

The diplomatic clash illustrates Montenegro’s broader strategic course – and the friction it generates with Moscow. By joining NSATU, Podgorica aligned itself more closely with allied efforts to support Ukraine’s defence, positioning itself alongside NATO states providing assistance, training and logistics through hubs in member countries. The mechanism is expected to include around 700 personnel from across the alliance.

While the government insists that Montenegro acts solely in line with its national priorities, the ambassador’s intervention underscored Russia’s continued sensitivity to shifts in the region. Podgorica’s firm reaction, including the explicit warning of treating similar statements as “hostile action,” signals growing intolerance toward foreign criticism as Montenegro moves deeper into Western security structures.

The foreign ministry’s stance was echoed publicly by Montenegrin officials, who reiterated that the country will respond to any such conduct “in line with international norms.”

Caption: Ukraine’s Guest Mission Partner status, received via sponsorship from NATO, will allow it to take part in the network’s training events and interoperability drills. Photo: NATO Communications and Information Agency