Montenegro Police Launch 'Operation Lugansk,' Arrest Suspects in Foreign Armed Formations Probe

Extensive Operation Targets Foreign Fighters

The Police Directorate (UP) in Montenegro, in close coordination with the Higher State Prosecutor's Office in Podgorica and the Intelligence and Security Directorate of the Ministry of Defense, executed a multi-month police operation codenamed 'Lugansk' on November 27, 2025. The operation aimed to identify and prosecute individuals involved in foreign armed formations, an activity deemed contrary to Montenegrin and international law.

Key Arrests and Seizures

During the operation, authorities arrested Danko Savić (61) and Dejan Braletić (64). Following questioning, the Higher State Prosecutor's Office in Podgorica ordered Savić's detention for up to 72 hours, suspecting him of committing the criminal offense of participating in foreign armed formations. Additionally, one individual, identified as DB (74) from Danilovgrad, was apprehended on suspicion of illegal possession and carrying of weapons and explosives.

The police conducted searches at 13 locations, encompassing 12 residential and auxiliary buildings and one law firm, across the cities of Danilovgrad, Nikšić, and Podgorica. Among the individuals whose homes were searched were Jovan Burić, Đorđi Vukmir, Borislav Jovović, Žarko Jovanović, Goran Kovačević, Branko Grujičić, Mladen Ajkunić, and Danka Vukčević. Lawyer Đorđije Vukmir, whose office and family apartment were searched, denied any links to the criminal offense, stating that a military license (weapon) was found in his family apartment, which he claims is not his.

A substantial amount of material was seized during the raids, including:

• 24 firearms
• Over 1,000 rounds of ammunition
• Several frames, nine knives, sabers, and bayonets
• Uniforms, flags, and other insignia of foreign formations and groups
• Foreign documents

Legal Framework and Historical Context

Montenegro has specific legislation that criminalizes participation in foreign armies, police, paramilitary, or para-police groups, with penalties ranging from six months to 10 years in prison. This legal framework addresses a recurring issue, as Montenegrin citizens have previously been known to participate in conflicts abroad, notably in Syria and Ukraine.

The National Security Agency (ANB) previously reported that at least five Montenegrin citizens fought on the side of pro-Russian separatist forces in eastern Ukraine during the 2014-2015 conflict, with one individual prosecuted and sentenced upon their return. Social media evidence has played a role in past prosecutions of Montenegrin nationals involved in foreign conflicts.

Commitment to National Security

The Police Directorate affirmed its commitment to continuing planned and coordinated measures to address contemporary security threats. This includes identifying and detecting 'malignant and hybrid activities' originating both domestically and with foreign influence, aiming to neutralize illegal activities by organized criminal groups and associated individuals operating within Montenegro and internationally.