Montenegro’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs on November 17 strongly condemned the actions of Russian Ambassador Aleksandar Lukashik, describing his statements as “absolutely unacceptable” and a direct interference in Montenegro’s internal affairs.
The ambassador was summoned to the Ministry following his criticism of Montenegrin institutions, particularly regarding the Parliament’s decision to integrate the Montenegrin Army into NATO’s Security Assistance Training for Ukraine (NSATU) and his negative remarks about President Jakov Millatović’s interview with a French newspaper.
“The ambassador was made aware that similar messages in the future will be treated as deliberately hostile actions, to which the Ministry will respond appropriately under international norms,” the Ministry said.
Lukashik accused the Montenegrin leadership of “demonizing Russia” and claimed the country was positioning itself as an enemy of Moscow while following Western interests to increase tensions with Russia.
Montenegro, however, reaffirmed its sovereign foreign policy, stating that it acts independently to protect its national and strategic interests, particularly NATO membership and EU integration, and will not tolerate any attempts to undermine the dignity of its institutions or officials.
The Montenegrin Parliament approved participation in NSATU on November 12, sending up to two army personnel to Wiesbaden, Germany, for training Ukrainian soldiers. Out of 81 MPs, 44 voted in favor, 5 against, and 2 abstained, demonstrating cross-party support despite some historical opposition from pro-Russian factions.
Analysts argue that Russia’s continued interference in Montenegro and the Western Balkans underscores Moscow’s persistent strategy to destabilize countries pursuing Euro-Atlantic integration, highlighting the fragility of regional security and the importance of Montenegro’s NATO and EU alignment.
“Montenegro will not allow anyone to violate the dignity of its institutions,” the Ministry emphasized, sending a clear message to Russia about respecting sovereign decisions.
